Overview
- Yellow warnings cover much of the UK from Wednesday night into Thursday with widespread 20–30mm of rain, pockets of 30–50mm, and a risk of coastal gales; some areas also face separate wind alerts with 45–55 mph gusts and up to 65 mph near coasts.
- The Met Office warns of spray and flooding on roads, longer journey times, possible public transport disruption, power cuts and isolated property flooding, noting impacts could shift quickly with small changes in the storm’s track and intensity.
- Behind the low, a northerly flow will drop temperatures by the weekend with a chance of wintry showers over high ground in the far north, including Scottish mountains.
- South Africa’s weather service has issued severe thunderstorm alerts for parts of North West, Northern Cape and Free State, warning of heavy rain, damaging winds, hail and localized flooding.
- Across the U.S., a series of cold fronts is bringing cooler, breezy conditions with scattered showers and isolated strong gusts, while Tropical Storm Melissa has formed in the central Caribbean and is expected to linger south of Cuba.