Storm Ashley: Wind, rain to hit UK and Ireland this weekend

The first named storm of the season, Storm Ashley, is expected to bring severe weather to the UK and Ireland this weekend, with an amber warning in place for parts of both countries.

The UK's Met Office previously warned that a low-pressure system was predicted to develop "explosively" over the Atlantic ahead of the weekend. Met Éireann, Ireland's national forecaster, has since named the storm, which could bring winds of up to 80mph.

An amber weather warning has been issued for parts of northern and western Scotland from 9am to midnight on Sunday. Meanwhile, a second amber warning covers parts of Ireland’s west coast, and a yellow weather warning applies across all of Ireland, Northern Ireland, much of Scotland, west Wales, and the North West of England from Sunday into Monday.

Storm Ashley, expected to develop near the coast of Canada on Friday, will likely hit Ireland before moving on to the UK. The Met Office has indicated that Sunday’s wind warning could be updated as more data becomes available. The forecaster stated, “There’s potential for disruption in some places.”

Earlier this week, a fog warning covered parts of southern England on Friday morning, causing misty conditions for many.

Looking ahead to the weekend, the weather will remain unsettled, with rain expected across the country on Saturday. However, the rain is forecast to clear by the evening, bringing "a dry and fine end to the day for most," according to the Met Office.

By Sunday, Storm Ashley will approach from the west, bringing stronger winds, particularly to northern and western areas. The strongest winds are predicted for Sunday afternoon and evening, with western Scotland at the highest risk. Northern Wales and parts of the North West could also see significant impacts.

A yellow severe weather warning is in place from 3am on Sunday until midday on Monday, with the potential for further updates as the storm develops.