Gusts of up to 70mph and heavy rain will bring potentially “dangerous” conditions and travel disruption to parts of the UK later this week, forecasters have warned.
Warmer weather is also on the way and temperatures could peak at 16C (60.8F) in some places on Friday, the Met Office said.
Yellow warnings have been issued for strong winds on Friday from 6am to 10am for eastern parts of Northern Ireland, and from 8am until 3pm for southwest Scotland and parts of Wales.
Gusts of up to 70mph are expected, said the Met Office.
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There is also a yellow warning for rain on Friday from 6am until 6pm for southwest and northeast Scotland, with the forecaster warning travel disruption, power cuts, and flooding are “likely”.
The Met Office said: “Friday’s warnings highlight potential travel disruption, dangerous conditions near coasts and the possibility of power cuts for some.”
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: “The weather will be turning milder for much of the country from Thursday, but this transition heralds the start of some potentially more impactful wind and rain.
“While Thursday will see blustery winds and rain for many, it’s Friday when we could see more impacts, with warnings issued for wind and rain.”
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He said there would be winds of around 70mph on “exposed coasts” and 60mph “more widely” within the warning areas.
“Rain is an additional hazard, with 30-40mm likely in parts of Scotland over a six-hour period, and up to around 70mm possible over higher ground within the warning areas,” he added.
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Saturday is expected to be a drier day across the country, but those in the South East may see the remnants of Friday’s rain drifting through the day.
More rain and wind is expected from Sunday, according to the Met Office.
Forecasters said there is the “potential for further warnings” on Sunday as details are “firmed up” in the days ahead.
