The Met Office has issued a weather warning due to the expected arrival of strong gale force winds. The agency has cautioned the public to prepare for potential power outages as severe wind conditions are anticipated, with wind speeds potentially reaching up to 70mph in exposed areas, accompanied by heavy rain showers.
Forecasters are predicting potential traffic disruptions and service interruptions in Northern Ireland as Hurricane Melissa threatens to bring similar severe weather conditions next week. The alert covers all six counties in Northern Ireland, starting from 1 pm tomorrow until 11 pm.
According to the warning, southerly to southeasterly winds will intensify on Thursday afternoon and evening, with gusts ranging from 40 to 50 mph expected widely and possibly reaching 60 to 70mph in more exposed regions, particularly along coastlines and over the Mournes. Rain showers are also forecasted during this period, with the likelihood of heavy rain accompanied by strong, gusty winds in some areas on Thursday evening.
The Met Office had previously cautioned that Hurricane Melissa, currently active in the West Indies, could impact UK weather conditions, keeping them unsettled. A spokesperson mentioned that Hurricane Melissa is expected to lose its tropical characteristics in the North Atlantic and dissipate later in the week. There is a slight possibility that the remnants of Melissa may affect UK weather patterns next week, potentially influencing the existing unsettled conditions.
The unsettled and changeable weather pattern is expected to persist over the next month, as outlined in the Met Office’s long-range forecast for November 2 to 11. The forecast indicates that low pressure systems will bring heavy rain across all regions, with the west likely to experience the most significant impact, including the possibility of additional gale force winds.
Additionally, the forecast suggests that strong winds, including gales or severe gales, may occur periodically. There may be brief intervals of drier or clearer weather, more prevalent in the east initially but possibly becoming more widespread towards the end of the period. With prevailing westerly or southwesterly winds, above-average temperatures are expected, reducing the likelihood of overnight frost and fog compared to the norm, particularly at the outset.