London weather forecast: Met Office issues YELLOW weather warning for wind with Storm Barra set to hit capital

The Met Office has issued London with a yellow weather warning, as Storm Barra is set to hit the UK.

The majority of the UK has been issued weather warnings for snow, rain and wind as Storm Barra is set to create havoc across the country, just weeks after Storm Arwen battered the nation with high winds.

The worst time of it for London will come at around 2pm on Tuesday, with wind speeds estimated to be around 38mph.

As well as the winds, the gale will also be accompanied by rain, with showers expected all day.

What will the weather be like for London on Tuesday?

The Met Office says: “A dry, frosty start Tuesday but turning very windy through the afternoon, with rain spreading to all parts.

“Becoming drier during the evening as rain clears but staying windy.

“Maximum temperature 9C.”

Chief meteorologist at the Met Office, Frank Saunders, said: “Strong winds arriving across the west through Tuesday morning, will spread inland and reach eastern areas through the afternoon and early evening.

“Gusts of 45-50 mph are expected widely, with 60-70 mph in exposed coastal locations.

“The strongest winds will ease across inland areas into the overnight period.”

While parts of Scotland are expected to receive up to 10cm of snow, none is forecast for London

Deputy chief meterologist, Brent Walker, commented: “A band of rain will turn to snow across northern England and Scotland through Tuesday.

“Two to five cm of snow is expected to accumulate quite widely across the warning area, but locally this could reach 10cm, particularly in parts of the Southern Uplands and Highlands.”

What can you expect from a yellow weather warning for wind?

• Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely.
• Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer.
• Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely and some damage to trees possible.
• Some short term loss of power and other services is possible.
• It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.

Met Office advice for driving in storms, rain and strong winds

• Even moderate rain can reduce your ability to see and be seen. A good rule of thumb is “if it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down”.
• If heavy downpours are expected, avoid starting your journey until it clears.
• If you can, choose main roads, where you are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris and flooding.
• Use dipped headlights if visibility is seriously reduced.
• Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles – grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands. This is particularly important when planning to overtake.
• Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front.
• Keep your eyes peeled on the road at all times as spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility. Remember it affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared.