UK weather warnings issued ahead of 'unusually strong' jet stream moving across the Atlantic

Two 'rapidly deepening Atlantic storms' that are expected to hit the UK by Friday

The last few weeks saw higher than average rainfall in most parts of the UK (PA)

Gales of up to 80mph are expected to batter most of the UK by the end of the week.

Temperatures will alternate between freezing and mild because of an "unusually strong" 230mph jet stream, and several parts of the country can expect sleet as temperatures drop to -4c on Tuesday, with potential snow flurries by the weekend.

The Met office has issued weather warnings ahead of Friday because of two "rapidly deepening Atlantic storms" that are expected to hit the UK on Friday and Saturday.

Earlier this week it was found that 2014 was the hottest year on record, with climate change activists blaming the Government for a 'colossal failure' over making global warming a national priority.

The average temperature last year was 9.9C, some 1.1C above the long-term average and eclipsing the previous record set in 2006, according to the Met Office.