UK weather latest: Gale-force winds and rain set to batter Britain

More snow is expected overnight in the north of England

Much of the UK can expect a wet weekend (PA)

Gale force winds are set to batter parts of the country this weekend, as yet more snow and and spring showers sweep in.

Forecasters say southwestern parts of the country are likely to be worst affected by the gales, with the Isle of Wight and Dartmoor hit hardest.

Martin Bowles, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “There is a low pressure system approaching the UK from the southwest which will bring heavy rain and strong winds to the UK on Friday.”

Most of the country is set for a wet weekend as rain starts off in the south and spreads northwards, with as much as 20cm expected to fall in parts of the country.

With it comes a chance of minor flooding in road dips and under bridges.

Snow will continue to linger in some parts of the country.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow in the north of England, the Midlands and parts of Wales from midnight to 11am tomorrow, urging people to prepare for travel disruption.

“Tonight there is a sign of some snow in north England", Mr Bowles said.

"There is rain travelling northwards, and it will change to snow over the north of England and north Wales.”

“There is also a warning of ice. Further north, in Scotland and Northern Ireland, there will be a lot or rain showers and we are likely to get ice forming”, the meteorologist added.

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Water companies issue warning over usage as pipes break

The weather is finally expected to get warmer next week, with temperatures predicted to reach up to 13C.

The warmer weather will come as welcome news for all those in the south of the country who have been without water, after the big freeze led to burst water pipes and leaks.

Forecaster Mr Bowles said we can expect a “spring-like feel” after the weekend.