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Easter weekend likely to be wet and windy, Met Office warns Easter weekend likely to be wet and windy, Met Office warns
(35 minutes later)
Gales and heavy rain will lash much of the UK over a “changeable” Easter weekend, according to forecasters.Gales and heavy rain will lash much of the UK over a “changeable” Easter weekend, according to forecasters.
Severe weather warnings for high winds have been issued by the Met Office, which warned of gusts of up to 65mph on Saturday.Severe weather warnings for high winds have been issued by the Met Office, which warned of gusts of up to 65mph on Saturday.
Good Friday will bring the best of the weather, being mostly dry with sunny spells across the UK and temperatures in the south reaching about 15C.Good Friday will bring the best of the weather, being mostly dry with sunny spells across the UK and temperatures in the south reaching about 15C.
But a band of rain will sweep westwards across the country on Saturday along with inland winds of about 55mph, rising to 65mph in coastal areas.But a band of rain will sweep westwards across the country on Saturday along with inland winds of about 55mph, rising to 65mph in coastal areas.
The Met Office’s yellow warning, which covers most of England and Wales but not Scotland and Northern Ireland, also advises the estimated six million people expected to travel over the weekend to be aware of possible disruption to their journeys. The Met Office’s yellow warning, which covers most of England and Wales but not Scotland and Northern Ireland, also advises the estimated 6 million people expected to travel over the weekend to be aware of possible disruption to their journeys.
There is also a chance of snow over high ground in Scotland.There is also a chance of snow over high ground in Scotland.
Dan Harris, deputy chief operational meteorologist, said: “An active frontal zone will advance eastwards bringing strong winds and heavy rain. Gusts of 45 to 55mph are likely quite widely, with exposed coastal areas likely to see more frequent gusts of 55 to 65mph.Dan Harris, deputy chief operational meteorologist, said: “An active frontal zone will advance eastwards bringing strong winds and heavy rain. Gusts of 45 to 55mph are likely quite widely, with exposed coastal areas likely to see more frequent gusts of 55 to 65mph.
“The largest rainfall totals on Saturday are expected over north-western areas. Here we’re likely to see 20 to 40mm widely and perhaps as much as 50mm in exposed sites.”“The largest rainfall totals on Saturday are expected over north-western areas. Here we’re likely to see 20 to 40mm widely and perhaps as much as 50mm in exposed sites.”
Egg hunts and events on Easter Sunday could be hit by “blustery showers”, starting in the north and arriving in the south-west later in the day, while northern areas could even see hail and thunderstorms.Egg hunts and events on Easter Sunday could be hit by “blustery showers”, starting in the north and arriving in the south-west later in the day, while northern areas could even see hail and thunderstorms.
But a Met Office spokeswoman added: “Most people should see the sun at some point on Easter Sunday.”But a Met Office spokeswoman added: “Most people should see the sun at some point on Easter Sunday.”
Monday is forecast to be “very, very unsettled” and high winds will begin in the south-west and sweep north and east across southern England, with the south coast and south-east facing severe gales.Monday is forecast to be “very, very unsettled” and high winds will begin in the south-west and sweep north and east across southern England, with the south coast and south-east facing severe gales.
Much of the north of the country will be calmer though, with lighter winds and sparse showers interrupting the bright spells.Much of the north of the country will be calmer though, with lighter winds and sparse showers interrupting the bright spells.
Of the weekend weather, the spokeswoman said: “It’s changeable but there is some sunshine – it’s not all gloom.”Of the weekend weather, the spokeswoman said: “It’s changeable but there is some sunshine – it’s not all gloom.”
Patricia Yates, of VisitEngland, said an estimated six million people were expected to take an overnight trip in the UK over the Easter weekend.Patricia Yates, of VisitEngland, said an estimated six million people were expected to take an overnight trip in the UK over the Easter weekend.