Northern Ireland is bracing itself for snow, wind and rain as the remnants of Hurricane Kirk look set to affect the UK next week.
The hurricane has strengthened to a Category 4 storm in the Atlantic Ocean, and while it will not directly hit the UK, it will trigger a spell of unsettled weather and a drop in temperatures as it passes close by.
Areas of Northern Ireland and Scotland are likely to see the worst of the colder conditions.
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In its latest long-range forecast, for between October 8 and 17, the Met Office said: “The forecast period looks most likely to be mostly unsettled, with frequent bouts of wind and rain associated with areas of low pressure.
“Frequent showers, especially over southern areas, at first, will probably (but not definitely, at this range) give way to more widespread rain and strong winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Kirk later in the week.
“Scotland and Northern Ireland are more likely to quickly turn colder with showers, and the colder weather (perhaps some sleet/snow on Scottish mountains) will most likely gradually work its way south following the clearance of ex-Kirk.
“A more settled interlude is then possible, but further spells of wind and rain, again with a focus across southern areas, are likely to arrive from the west towards the end of the period.”
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Before Kirk arrives, cloud and patchy rain is forecast on Saturday for NI and western Scotland, turning heavier as it reaches western England and Wales by the evening.
Sunday will be humid as a band of rain, which will turn heavy at times, spreads eastwards through the day.
From midweek, Hurricane Kirk “poses a threat of bringing disruptive rain and wind” for some, though it will have lost its status as a hurricane by the time it reaches northwest Europe, according to the Met Office.
Chris Bulmer, deputy chief meteorologist, said: “The resulting low-pressure system will still have the potential to bring disruptive rain and winds to some areas, including parts of the UK, from the middle of next week.
“There remains much detail to work out on the exact track and timing of the system. Across the UK, parts of England and Wales look to have the greatest risk of heavy rain and strong winds during Wednesday and Thursday.
“However, a more southward track of this system, which is equally plausible at this stage, would see the most disruptive conditions impact France. The need for warnings will be kept under review over the coming days, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.”