Britain is preparing for a wet and windy weekend as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for heavy rain across Northern Ireland.
While much of the UK will stay relatively dry and calm, forecasters warn that parts of Northern Ireland could face flooding, travel disruption, and power outages as torrential downpours move in overnight.
Met Office Yellow Warning in Effect
The 12-hour yellow alert will be in place from midnight on Saturday until 12pm on Sunday, according to the Met Office.
Forecasters predict that heavy rain will sweep across Northern Ireland on Saturday night, gradually clearing eastwards on Sunday morning. The southeast of the country is expected to see the most intense rainfall, with 20–30mm likely.
Over the Mourne Mountains, rainfall totals could reach 60–100mm, much of it falling during the early hours of Sunday.
What the Yellow Warning Means
The Met Office explains that yellow warnings are issued when weather conditions may cause localised disruption, such as:
- Delays on roads and public transport
- Risk of flooding in homes and businesses
- Short-term interruptions to power supply
While not as severe as amber or red warnings, yellow alerts still signal that residents should remain cautious and prepared for potentially hazardous conditions.
More Warnings Expected as Arctic Weather Looms
This could be the first of several weather warnings in the coming weeks, as forecasters track a mass of snow and rain set to hit the UK later in October.
Meteorologists warn that a cold Arctic blast could push southwards, bringing wintry showers and freezing temperatures across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Temperatures have already dropped sharply, with parts of Scotland recording lows of 8°C and other regions dipping into single figures. In some areas, overnight temperatures are forecast to fall below 0°C by October 27, with Inverness expected to see -1°C.
UK Snow Forecast: What to Expect
Weather maps suggest that by October 27–28, parts of northern Scotland could experience intense snowfall, with rates of up to 2cm per hour. Light snow is also possible in Northern Ireland, central Wales, and the North East of England, according to early data.
Elsewhere, heavy rain is expected to blanket much of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northeastern England, as autumn’s unsettled weather pattern continues.
Long-Range Forecast: More Rain and Wind on the Way
The Met Office’s long-range forecast for October 21–30 predicts more unsettled conditions:
“Low pressure systems moving in from the west or southwest will bring further spells of rain and showers, occasionally accompanied by strong winds. Some drier interludes are possible, but they will be short-lived.”
By the end of the month, high pressure could build over the Atlantic, introducing a cooler, more showery northwesterly flow and signaling a chillier transition into November.
