Storm Dave named as Met Office issues Easter weekend weather forecast | Weather | News
Storm Dave will hit the UK this weekend as the Met Office releases its bank holiday weekend weather forecast. The newly named storm is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain and blizzard conditions to parts of Britain from Saturday evening into Sunday as a rapidly deepening low pressure system moves in from the Atlantic.
Forecasters have warned Scotland, Northern Ireland, North Wales and parts of Northern England are most at risk, with Yellow weather warnings already in place. Winds are expected to blow at 50-60 miles per hour across Northern Britain, with gusts of 60-70 miles per hour expected in exposed areas. There is a very small chance of wind gusts reaching 80-90 miles per hour in some parts of Scotland for a short period. Northern Ireland is expected to be hit first on Saturday afternoon, before the bad weather spreads to the rest of northern Britain later in the day. Heavy snow is also expected in the higher parts of northern Scotland; In regions above 200 meters, 5-10 cm of snowfall is expected. While up to 20 cm of snowfall may occur in some places, strong winds are likely to cause blizzards and snow drifts.
A separate Yellow warning for snow has been issued for north-west Scotland from 3pm on Saturday until 3am on Sunday.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: “Storm Dave will form and deepen rapidly as it approaches the UK from the west on Saturday.
“Winds will strengthen significantly on Saturday afternoon, with gusts of 60-70 mph expected at times in parts of Scotland, with the potential for 80-90 mph winds expected in exposed coastal areas of Scotland.
“Gusts of 50-60mph are likely to be more common across northern Britain.
“As well as strong winds, Storm Dave will also bring heavy snowfall to the hills in northern Scotland, where up to 10-20cm of snow could accumulate.
“This, along with strong winds, will lead to blizzard conditions.”
While Good Friday is expected to bring rain to much of the UK, the worst outbreaks will remain relatively dry in western Scotland and the south-east.
Further south, the Easter weekend is expected to be much quieter overall; Only scattered showers, windy conditions and some sunny spells are expected, particularly on Sunday afternoon and Easter Monday.
While northern areas face the worst impacts, much of southern England is expected to be spared the worst of Storm Dave with sunnier weather and only brief showers.
Easter Monday is expected to be the driest day of the bank holiday weekend, with increased pressure bringing calmer conditions.
The Met Office has warned of possible travel disruption, fallen trees, power outages and dangerous coastal conditions.
The weather remains uncertain until next week, with more clouds and rain expected from the west.
