The Met Office has issued an urgent weather warning due to the expected arrival of gale force winds. The weather agency has cautioned the public to prepare for potential power outages following the alert for severe wind conditions. Wind speeds may reach up to 70mph, classified as gale force, impacting exposed areas and accompanied by intense rain showers.
Forecasters have highlighted the likelihood of traffic disruptions and service interruptions in Northern Ireland as Hurricane Melissa poses a threat of similar conditions in the upcoming week. The warning covers all six counties in Northern Ireland and is effective from 1pm tomorrow until 11pm.
According to the advisory, southerly to southeasterly winds will intensify on Thursday afternoon and evening, with gusts ranging from 40 to 50 mph in most areas and possibly reaching 60 to 70 mph in more exposed regions, particularly along coasts and over the Mournes. Rain showers are also expected during this period, with a possibility of short bursts of heavy rain and strong, gusty winds in localized areas on Thursday evening.
The alert follows the Met Office’s caution about Hurricane Melissa’s potential impact on the UK’s weather pattern, leading to unsettled conditions. While Hurricane Melissa is likely to lose its tropical characteristics in the North Atlantic and dissipate later in the week, there is a slight chance that its remnants could affect the UK’s weather next week, although the specifics will become clearer closer to the time.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast for November 2 to 11 indicates that the unsettled and changeable weather is expected to persist, with low pressure systems bringing heavy rain across all regions of the country. The west of the UK may experience the most significant impact, including the possibility of further gale force winds. The forecast suggests intermittent strong winds, with gales or severe gales possible at times, along with brief periods of drier or clearer weather, particularly in eastern regions, which may become more widespread and longer-lasting towards the end of the period.
With prevailing winds coming from a westerly or southwesterly direction, above-average temperatures are anticipated, reducing the likelihood of overnight frost and fog compared to usual conditions, especially in the initial stages of the forecast period.
