Cambridge faces twelve hours of potentially disruptive winds from 3am on Thursday, with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning covering Cambridgeshire and much of the East of England until 3pm the same day.
Gusts could reach 60mph, with coastal areas bearing the brunt of the strongest winds. Inland areas including Cambridge will still face significant wind speeds that could delay road, rail, air and ferry services, whilst short-term power cuts remain possible.
Residents should secure garden furniture, bins and loose items that could become projectiles in the strong winds. Temporary structures such as marquees face potential damage, and the public should watch for falling branches or debris when outdoors.
Temperatures will hover between 14°C and 16°C during the warning period, making wind chill a notable factor. Drivers in high-sided vehicles face particular risks on exposed routes, whilst commuters should check travel updates before setting off as some public transport services may be affected.
Elsewhere across the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland expect sunshine mixed with scattered showers and temperatures of 12°C to 16°C. Wales and the South West will see some blustery conditions but escape severe wind warnings, with temperatures reaching 15°C to 18°C. Northern England faces a mix of cloud and occasional sunshine with similar temperatures.