The UK may experience its first named storm of the autumn as forecasts indicate a deep area of low pressure could cross the country later this week. A strengthening jet stream, triggered by temperature contrasts across North America, is expected to cause turbulent conditions to develop.
All areas are likely to see rain, including regions currently experiencing drought. The exact amount of rainfall will depend on the track of the stormy low pressure system.
Weather models suggest the jet stream could guide a deep area of low pressure across the UK by Friday. This system could bring heavy rain along with gales or even severe gales.
Most computer models currently show the centre of the low pressure system crossing the south of the UK, which would bring the highest risk of disruptive winds to southernmost parts of England and Wales, and possibly some eastern coastal counties of England later on Friday. However, some models suggest a more northerly track, which could lead to more widespread gales and disruption, including in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The uncertainty regarding the track means the forecast could change.
If the Met Office or Met Éireann expect significant impacts from this low pressure system, they would issue amber-level or higher weather warnings. If the storm is then named, it will be called 'Storm Austen'.