Exact times 80mph gales will batter UK TODAY as vicious storms loom
The UK is set to be hit by heavy downpours and gale-force winds today - Halloween - and now weather maps showing the exact times the stormy conditions will strike
These striking weather maps show the exact times the UK is to be battered by heavy rain and gale-force winds today.
Halloween revellers may need to take shelter as the worst of the weather is likely to arrive tonight and linger into Saturday morning, particularly for northern and western areas. Weather maps from WXCharts, show winds of 80mph are anticipated, again western coastlines taking the biggest brunt.
The western coasts of England and Scotland are predicted to bear the brunt of the storm on October 30, according to maps generated on October 29, with northern areas including Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria, as well as Northern Ireland, primarily affected.
But even as far south as Hampshire, gusts could reach 70mph, forecasters say. Alongside the gale-force winds, there will be heavy bouts of rain, with some parts of the UK seeing up to 20mm of accumulated rainfall, according to the forecast.
READ MORE: Vet explains whether dogs really need to wear coats during colder monthsREAD MORE: ITV's Dr Amir Khan says 5p pill gets rid of a cold fast - and it's not vitamin CThe rain and windy conditions will take hold from around 3pm today, meteorologists understand. With such severe gales expected, forecasters have suggested delays across road, rail and ferry services are possible. Coastal regions could also face large waves and spray throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
By around 6pm, it will be wet across most of the country, though heaviest across western Scotland. The Scottish Highlands will see the most rain throughout Halloween evening.
READ MORE: UK households told to put garlic in gardens in NovemberREAD MORE: Homeowners given radiator alert as snow blizzard predicted to hit the UKIt follows a rainy day on Thursday for many too, especially those across Northern Ireland and Wales. Nearly 20mm of rain fell across County Antrim, data recorded for the Met Office shows. More than 13mm of rain battered Pembrokeshire, south Wales, on Thursday.
And these areas are vulnerable to further deluges today too, the weather maps indicate. The Met Office also anticipates "unsettled" conditions with some "heavy showers" forecast, reports the Express. Despite potentially milder temperatures, it will remain "rather windy" across the weekend. The mercury, though, could peak at 16C in the East of England today.
But the turbulent weather looks set to persist into next week as well, with the Met Office's long-range forecast stating: "The changeable and at times unsettled weather is likely to continue through early November, with low pressure dominating the UK. This means further showers or longer spells of rain at times.
"All parts could see some heavy rain, but it is likely that western areas will be wettest. Strong winds are likely at times, with gales or severe gales a possibility, especially in the west."