Storm Éowyn named as strong winds, heavy rain and snow forecast

The system could bring gusts in excess of 80mph on exposed coasts in Northern Ireland, northern England, northwestern Wales and western Scotland, with Met Office Yellow Severe Weather Warnings issued and further updates likely in the coming days.

Change in UK weather to come

Recent relatively benign conditions, albeit with plenty of grey skies, are likely to continue through Tuesday and Wednesday, with some outbreaks of rain in places.

However, a major change in the UK's weather starts on Thursday, as a front bringing heavy rain moves eastwards through the day. The highest rainfall accumulations are likely in western parts of Scotland, England and Wales where 20-30mm could fall in places, with some snow likely over high ground in the northern half of the country, especially over the Scottish mountains.

Storm Éowyn disruption

Storm Éowyn, pronounced 'ay-oh-win', will begin to influence the UK's weather early on Friday, with strengthening winds initially in southwestern parts of the UK with accompanying heavy rainfall. This will quickly spread northeast to the rest of the UK during Friday morning. There is also a chance of snow over Northern Ireland, northern England and Scotland as the system initially bumps into cold air, however much of this will quickly change to rain as milder air moves in.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: "Storm Éowyn will bring a period of very unsettled, potentially disruptive, weather to the UK through Friday and into Saturday.

"The strongest gusts are likely to be felt across parts of Northern Ireland, northern England, northwestern Wales and western Scotland, where exposed sites could get gusts in excess of 80mph, which has the potential to cause impacts for those in these areas. There will also be some heavy rain, bringing some unpleasant conditions to end the week.

"The initial warning for Storm Éowyn has been issued several days in advance, so it's important to stay up to date with the forecast as further details emerge in the coming days."

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: "The wet and windy weather brought about by Storm Éowyn will make driving much more of a challenge towards the end of this week, especially for those in the west of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Strong winds mean there's a higher likelihood of fallen branches and trees on rural routes between motorways and A-roads, which can obstruct journeys and puncture tyres if not carefully avoided.

"Drivers also need to be well aware of the buffeting effect of sudden gusts, especially along coastlines and exposed areas where the worst weather is expected. High-sided vehicles are most at risk of being blown off course, but cars can also be affected as they pass lorries on the motorway and are then hit by the wind on the other side. It's best to keep speeds low and have a firm grip on the wheel to avoid being caught off-guard, especially in areas where heavy rain will affect visibility."

The change in conditions is being driven by the weather over the other side of the Atlantic. A large, very cold pool of air over parts of North America is generating a stark contrast in temperatures across the continent, acting to strengthen the jet stream resulting in deeper low pressure systems being able to develop, this jet oriented such that these lows will then be steered across the Atlantic towards the UK.

Further ahead

As Storm Éowyn weakens and clears to the northeast of the UK, Saturday will remain a breezy day everywhere with strong winds persisting in the north. It will be drier for many, with showers replacing persistent heavy rain.

However, later Sunday, another area of low pressure could bring further wet and very windy weather across the UK.

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