Storm Francis to batter the UK with winds of up to 70mph and heavy rain

Last week saw Storm Ellen bring heavy rain and strong winds to the UK, but now Storm Francis is on its way with further bad weather this week (Photo: Shutterstock)Last week saw Storm Ellen bring heavy rain and strong winds to the UK, but now Storm Francis is on its way with further bad weather this week (Photo: Shutterstock)
Last week saw Storm Ellen bring heavy rain and strong winds to the UK, but now Storm Francis is on its way with further bad weather this week (Photo: Shutterstock)

Last week saw Storm Ellen bring heavy rain and strong winds to the UK, but now Storm Francis is on its way with further bad weather this week.

The Met Office has issued both yellow and amber weather warnings for rain and wind to various parts of the country over the next few days. Here’s everything you need to know.

When will Storm Francis hit?

The Met Office forecast explains that a “deep area of low pressure” will cross the UK from Monday night. This will bring wind gusts of 60mph and potentially 70 mph in exposed western locations, alongside heavy rain for many.

Large waves are also expected in coastal areas around the South West including the Bristol Channel, throughout Tuesday (25 August), which will move along the English Channel as the day progresses.

The rain is expected to be heaviest in Northern Ireland and south west Scotland, where 60-90mm in total could fall as the storm makes way from west to east.

Chief Meteorologist Andy Page, said “The UK is in for another unseasonably wet and windy spell with Storm Francis arriving on Tuesday. There will be strong winds and heavy rain, especially in the west of the UK.

“A number of severe weather warnings have been issued and these warnings can be updated regularly so please keep up to date with the latest Met Office forecast.”

Weather warnings in place

A Met Office yellow weather warning for wind is in place from 9am on Tuesday to 9am on Wednesday (26 August), covering East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, North West and South West England, Wales, West Midlands and Yorkshire & Humber.

A yellow warning for rain is also in place from 12am on Tuesday to 6am on Wednesday, covering North East and North West England, Yorkshire & Humber and Wales.

Another yellow weather warning for rain is also in place from 12am on Tuesday to 6am on Wednesday, covering Central Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Northern Ireland, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders and Strathclyde.

An amber weather warning for wind is also in place until 10pm on Tuesday evening, covering East Midlands, East of England, London & South East England, South West England, Wales and West Midlands.

Storm Francis will then clear to the East of the UK by Wednesday lunchtime (26 August), explains the Met Office. This will leave a brighter and more settled outlook for the remainder of the day.

Weekend weather forecast

After a showery day on Friday (28 August), “the rest of the weekend should bring sunshine to most parts for a time,” adds the Met Office. However, there will be some scattered showers in places.

There is also forecast to be further unsettled weather in the UK from Tuesday next week (1 September).