UK weather forecast: Heavy rain and gale force winds of up to 80mph set to batter Britain

Met Office issues wind and rain alerts before weekend cold snap arrives

Large parts of Britain will be pummelled by torrential rain and gale force winds on Friday, as gusts in exposed areas in the north get up to 80mph.

The Met Office has issued a yellow alert, warning of the danger of flying debris, travel disruption and possible power cuts across Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland.

The potentially damaging gales could reach up to 60mph inland, while coastal areas in northwest Scotland have been told to expect winds between 70mph and 80mph.

Southern parts of the UK, meanwhile, will see prolonged spells of wet weather on Friday before gale force winds begin to pick up there too.

Downpours were expected in south Wales and southwest England on Friday morning, where a yellow rain warning is in place and forecasters have warned of potential flooding and difficult driving conditions.

Northern areas could see highs around 10C or 11C, while temperatures will remain around 14C or 15C across the south.

Although the rain is expected to clear in many areas by lunchtime, southern areas will also be affected by strengthening winds before the end of the day.

“A blustery day to come,” said Aidan McGivern, meteorologist at the Met Office. “Technically temperatures are on the mild side, but I don’t think it will feel particularly pleasant with that blustery wind.

“Across England and Wales the winds will be strengthening through Friday night. So gales around coastal areas [and] a fairly noisy night.”

The strong winds are finally set to ease this weekend, and eastern parts of Scotland and England will even enjoy some sunny spells on Saturday.

But a cold spell is also due to arrive, as a low pressure system bringing cold air down from the Arctic causes temperatures to plummet.

By the middle of next week northern areas could see highs of only 6C or 7C, while highs in the south could be 8C or 9C.

The Met Office said winds blowing in from the north east could mean ice, frost and snow showers in some parts of Britain by Wednesday.

“It will be colder,” said Alex Deakin, meteorologist at the Met Office. “You will notice the difference. Cold weather in December is likely to bring some snow.”

The snow is forecast to fall on the eastern side of the country, mainly on hilly regions but possibly also on some lower lying areas.