WEATHER WARNING: Strong south-westerly winds, gusting up to 60mph, forecast

A spell of unseasonably strong south-westerly winds, accompanied by heavy, blustery showers, is expected to reach the south west of the UK during the early hours of tomorrow morning, moving east across many parts of England and Wales through the day.

Gusts are expected to reach 40-50mph inland, and 50 to 60mph along exposed coastlines in the south and west.

The Met Office has issued a yellow ‘be aware’ weather warning, asking members of the public to be aware that these winds may lead to disruption to transport, and in view of the time of the year, there is increased potential for disruption to outdoor activities.

Also, strong winds and large waves will coincide with a period of spring tides this weekend. This is expected to lead to some localised instances of spray and wave over-topping of flood defences around the coasts of south-west England and Wales.

This warning has been updated to extend the warning more widely across England and Wales.

The chief forecaster for the Met Office said: ‘A vigorous area of low pressure is expected to track eastwards cross the northern half of the UK on Saturday. Strengthening winds on its southern flank will reach south-western areas of the UK early on Saturday.

‘The peak in wind strength will be across south-west England and south Wales during the morning, then extending eastwards through the course of the day. Inland areas will have the strongest winds during Saturday afternoon, when localised gusts of 50mph are possible, particularly in association with showers.’

Find forecast updates on the Met Office website.