The Met Office forecast has provided more detail about an upcoming weather system following in the wake of Storm Gerrit.
Meteorologists have warned that another front is inbound for the UK in time for the New Year, with strong winds and rain picking up again over December 30 and 31.
They will follow Storm Gerrit, the latest named system to grace the country, which turned deadly after it made landfall on December 27.
Gerrit brought gale-force winds that tore down trees and severe rain, leading the Met Office to issue several yellow warnings across the country.
The agency has now issued a forecast for the next few days when the storm – which may or may not become Storm Henk – is expected to arrive from the west.
The Met Office forecast for the next few days, including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, states the more severe weather will commence this evening.
The forecast for December 29 states that, while showers will die out for most, “severe gales and more persistent rain” will batter the Northern Isles tonight.
Wind maps from WXCharts show wind speeds reaching up to 65kph (40mph) across the country between then and January 1, 2024.
The stronger winds and rain will die down during the night, and the weather is set to become “increasingly unsettled” on the morning of Saturday, December 30.
Conditions will include strong wind and heavy rain, with some scattered snow falling over higher ground.
The forecast states: “After a dry and bright start for some in the east, it’ll turn increasingly unsettled with strong winds and heavy rain pushing northeastwards, falling as hill snow for northern parts.”
From Sunday, December 31 to Tuesday, January 2, the forecast will remain “changeable”, with many of the same conditions but to a lesser severity.
The Met Office predicts: “Remaining changeable throughout, with blustery showers continuing Sunday and some sunny spells.”
“Showers likely easing for most on New Year’s Day. Turning cloudier in the southwest with rain on Tuesday.”
WXCharts maps show the week ahead looking comparatively calmer, with fewer, lighter showers swirling around the country.
