Overview
- The Met Office issued a yellow wind warning for Northern Ireland until 7pm Friday, with widespread gusts of 45–55 mph and up to 60 mph on exposed coasts, alongside periods of persistent rain.
- Strong winds and downpours caused local disruption in the West Midlands, including a fallen tree on the Birmingham Snow Hill–Stratford-upon-Avon rail line and the cancellation of Oldbury’s Christmas lights switch‑on, with separate long delays reported on the M5.
- WXCharts using MetDesk data signaled a risk of snow this evening for places including Stoke‑on‑Trent, Crewe, Macclesfield, Sheffield, Carlisle and parts of southwest and central Scotland, though the Met Office stresses snowfall placement remains uncertain.
- Forecasters expect unsettled weather through the weekend, with a deep area of low pressure forecast to approach from the southwest on Monday bringing heavy rain and strong winds, and potential for travel disruption.
- Met Office meteorologists say a strengthened jet stream is sending low after low across the country, focusing heavier rain in western areas and raising flood risk into mid‑December.