National Severe Weather Warnings for wind, rain and thunderstorms have been issued highlighting the potential for impacts such as travel disruption to large swathes of southern and northern England, South Wales, parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland on Saturday.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page, said: “This is an unusual time of year for such strong winds and, with many people on holiday or planning outdoor activities, they are likely to cause some disruption. In addition, heavy rain and thunderstorms could lead to standing water and spray on roads and consequently difficult driving conditions. Winds are expected to ease through the evening.

“Temperatures are expected to stay near average or rather cool over the coming days especially in the rain and wind.”

The start of the weekend sees blustery conditions, showers and a risk of some heavy rain and thunder at times, as the deep area of low pressure continues to have an impact. With some very strong gusts of wind, particularly to the south of the system, and heavy rain and thunderstorms further north a number of warnings have been issued for Saturday.

The winds will be strongest in the south and east of England where gusts are expected to widely reach 40 mph, with 50 to 55 mph in exposed places such as over hills and along the south coast. We could see some minor impacts and travel disruption. The wind and rain will ease later in the evening.

Sunday is expected to be less windy, but rain and showers will continue for the north of the UK with a risk of thunder, while further south will see a mix of sunny spells and showers.

There will be a  mix of sunny spells and showers for most parts for the start of the working week. Some of the showers could be heavy with a risk of thunder. The unsettled theme to our weather looks set to continue through next week, although with more in the way of dry weather than recently for some parts.

How unusual is this weather?

After a record-breaking June of high temperatures, July so far may have felt like a bit of a stark contrast for some. However, despite it feeling somewhat cooler than average so far this month, temperatures from 1 to 11 July are surprisingly close to average overall.

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