UK faces possible storm as deep low-pressure system approaches

Forecasters say a deep low-pressure system could bring heavy rain and gale-force winds to parts of the UK later this week, with the storm’s track still uncertain. If the Met Office or Ireland’s Met Éireann expects significant impacts and names it, it would be called Storm Austen. [1]

Most weather models currently place the low’s centre over southern parts of the UK on Friday, which would put the greatest risk of disruptive winds across southern England and Wales, and possibly eastern coastal counties. A more northerly track could bring gales and disruption to a wider area, including Scotland and Northern Ireland. A more southerly route could shift greater impacts towards France. [1]

The BBC says the low is expected to bring heavy rain, with gales or severe gales around it. It advises people to follow any Met Office weather warnings as forecasts may change. [1]

Rain is forecast across the UK at times this week, including areas affected by drought, but the amount will depend on the low’s eventual path. Parts of England and Wales have had a relatively dry autumn; the BBC reports that parts of Herefordshire have received only a tenth of the rainfall typically expected by this point in October. [1]

The UK storm season runs from September to August, and reaching this point in autumn without a named storm is not unusual. If the system tracks far enough south to have greater impacts in France, the French weather service Meteo-France could name it Storm Bruna. [1]