WEATHER TURNS OFF THE HEAT!
60mph gales toblast in
THE mini heatwave is over as winter storms are set to blast the country this week.
Heavy rain and 60mph gales will lash parts of the UK from Wednesday, putting an end to one of the warmest February spells on record.
The violent weather from the Atlantic could cause damage to buildings and trees while experts have warned to expect travel chaos.
There is also a risk of flooding as powerful coastal winds whip up huge waves, following highs today of 17C.
Met Office forecaster Helen Roberts said: “Things will change to being significantly more unsettled with strong winds likely throughout the week.
“Tuesday night into Wednesday is looking particularly windy especially in the north although it will be breezy everywhere. Then there is the potential for a deep low pressure system to develop on Thursday bringing quite a stormy period of weather with severe gales in parts.
“Strong winds are likely to track right across the central part of Britain affecting the south of the country. Coastal regions could see large waves.”
Experts say the unusually warm weather is due to high pressure off the coast of Spain pulling warm air up from the tropics. Leon Brown, of The Weather Company, said the mercury could reach the 17.1C record for this time of year.
He said: “A taste of spring will last into early next week for the south, while it will be wet and windy in the north.
“Temperatures are well above normal and could reach 15C today to 16C across east Wales to the Midlands. The daily record for February 20 is 17.1C in Prestatyn.”
Gales will sweep across the UK tomorrow night before reaching the south.
Meanwhile, winds of up to 60mph threaten to batter Scotland causing power cuts and disruptions to rail and ferry services.