The UK is set to be blasted by strong winds and heavy rain next week as Hurricane Kirk moves across the Atlantic Ocean.
The weather system strengthened into a category 4 storm on Friday and its remnants threaten to bring a spell of unsettled conditions, with temperatures forecast to fall.
While the hurricane is expected to be downgraded by the time it reaches Europe, the Met Office has said it poses a threat of disruptive rain and wind for some after a mild weekend.
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Deputy chief meteorologist Chris Bulmer said the exact track and timing of low-pressure that Kirk will generate is yet to be determined, but added: “Across the UK, parts of England and Wales look to have the greatest risk of heavy rain and strong winds during Wednesday and Thursday.
“However, a more southward track of this system, which is equally plausible at this stage, would see the most disruptive conditions impact France.”
He added possible weather warnings “will be kept under review over the coming days”. As of Saturday afternoon, none have been issued by the weather agency.
UK weather: Hurricane Kirk aftermath could bring snow, strong winds and heavy rain to British shores
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The Met Office said in its long-range forecast from 9 October to 18 October that Scotland and Northern Ireland “are more likely to quickly turn colder with showers, and the colder weather (perhaps some snow on Scottish mountains) will most likely gradually work its way south”.
“A more settled interlude is then possible but further spells of wind and rain, again with a focus across southern areas, are likely to arrive from the west during the following week with temperatures returning to around average,” it said.
This weekend, the UK is set for interchangeable weather, with sunny spells and showers.
Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said Saturday will see showers over Northern Ireland and Scotland “generally easing across the Scottish borders by the time we reach the afternoon”.
“Elsewhere, there’ll be plenty of that bright sunshine and it will be feeling warm and there will be lighter winds in that sunshine too,” she added.
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The forecast comes after much of the UK was hit by heavy downpours last month. Ten counties across England saw their wettest September on record, according to provisional Met Office data.
For Bedfordshire and Oxfordshire, September 2024 was the wettest month the counties have experienced, in a series dating back to 1836.
Overall, England had nearly twice its September average rainfall – with 95% more than would normally be seen in that month.
