Storm Boelo to bring gusts of up to 80mph and heavy rain to parts of UK
Warnings cover northern areas
The forecaster has issued an amber warning for Scotland and northern England as far south as Carlisle, from 9pm Saturday until the same time Sunday. A separate amber warning covers north-east Northern Ireland from 9pm Saturday to 10am Sunday.
A yellow warning for very wet and windy weather spans the UK’s north from midday Saturday to 9pm Sunday. Wales and parts of western and southern England are also under a heavy-rain warning from 11am to 11pm Saturday.
Power cuts remain a concern
Thousands of homes in south-west England lost power after Storm Austen struck on Friday. The Met Office warned that outages seen in the south-west could also affect areas covered by amber warnings in the north.
Rain and winds continue
The wet weather is expected to clear overnight in many areas, but rain will continue in Scotland and Northern Ireland. A forecaster said strong, gusty winds would affect Northern Ireland, northern England and Scotland, strengthening towards the evening.
The UK recorded its hottest summer this year, with five heatwaves and 40 days above 30C. The article links changing global rainfall patterns and weather conditions to human-driven climate change.
Government response questioned
The prime minister rejected suggestions that the government was behind on civil preparedness. He said unexpected events appeared to be becoming more common.
Key points
- Amber warnings cover Scotland, northern England and north-east Northern Ireland.
- Thousands of homes in south-west England remain without power after Storm Austen.
- Storm Boelo could bring further outages and travel disruption across northern areas.
- Heavy rain is forecast for parts of Wales and western and southern England.