The Met Office has issued an urgent weather advisory due to the expected occurrence of strong gale force winds. The agency has cautioned the public to prepare for potential power outages following the alert for severe wind conditions. Wind speeds could escalate up to 70mph, reaching gale force levels, and sweep across exposed areas while bringing heavy rain showers.
Forecasters are warning of potential traffic disruptions and service interruptions in Northern Ireland as the powerful Hurricane Melissa threatens to create similar weather conditions next week. The warning covers all six counties in Northern Ireland and is effective from 1 pm tomorrow until 11 pm.
According to the advisory, south to southeasterly winds will intensify on Thursday afternoon and evening, with gusts ranging from 40 to 50 mph expected widely, and possibly reaching 60 to 70 mph in more exposed regions, particularly along coasts and over the Mournes. Rain showers are also anticipated during this period, especially on Thursday evening, with the possibility of brief heavy rain accompanied by strong, gusty winds in some areas.
The alert follows the Met Office’s caution that Hurricane Melissa, currently affecting the West Indies, could impact UK weather conditions, keeping them unsettled. A spokesperson mentioned to Yahoo News UK that Hurricane Melissa is likely to lose its tropical characteristics in the North Atlantic and dissipate later in the week. There is a slight chance that Melissa’s remnants could influence UK weather next week, potentially maintaining the already unsettled conditions in the country.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast for November 2 to 11 predicts continued unsettled and changeable weather, with low pressure resulting in heavy rain across all parts of the UK. The west of the country is expected to bear the brunt of the impact, including further gale force winds. The forecast also suggests intermittent strong winds, with a possibility of gales or severe gales. Occasional drier or clearer intervals are expected, more prevalent in the east initially but possibly becoming more widespread and enduring towards the end of the period.
With winds predominantly coming from the westerly or southwesterly direction, above-average temperatures are likely, reducing the occurrence of overnight frost and fog compared to usual conditions, especially initially.