UK storm alert as new maps show 60mph winds and heavy rain to batter nation in hours

UK storm alert as new maps show 60mph winds and heavy rain to batter nation in hours The latest weather maps show strong winds arriving for the coming weekend, with heavy rain in places as well. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Brian Dillon 18:19, Thu, Oct 8, 2026 Updated: 18:21, Thu, Oct 8, 2026 It will be a windy weekend for much of the UK (Image: WXCharts) The latest weather maps from forecaster WXCharts warn of strong winds and heavy rain this coming weekend, with such conditions arriving in a matter of hours. The weather in the UK has taken quite a turn in the last few weeks. After a September that was unusually warm at times, temperatures have dropped in many places, and several regions of the UK have welcomed plenty of rain following a scorching summer of droughts . WXCharts' current maps show winds of up to 60mph in some parts of the UK, as well as heavy rain throughout the weekend . As per usual, the worst-affected region appears to be Scotland , where wind is expected to be the strongest. However, winds will also be fairly strong in places like Wales , the North of England and the Midlands. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The forecaster's maps show wind speeds of up to around 96kmph, which is around 60mph, in a large section of Scotland. Meanwhile, winds could reach up to around 43mph in the Midlands and Wales. The Met Office has warned of wet and windy conditions from this evening into the weekend. It comes after a week of heavy, consistent rain across several parts of the UK. Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and World news and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . When it comes to rain, WXCharts' maps show rain covering most of the UK tomorrow morning, except for a small section of the South East. Rain appears to be heaviest in the west of the country, becoming heavier throughout the day and over the weekend. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Met Office issues polar vortex verdict for Winter 2026 - including snow Met Office and BBC Weather issue new snow forecast - polar vortex warning Rain will be heaviest later on Friday (Image: WXCharts) According to the Met Office, tonight will see conditions become increasingly windy with spells of rain or showers. It is set to turn "increasingly wet and windy overnight with the heaviest rain in the north and west". Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "Occasionally damp in the south but generally drier here," the forecast reads. "Becoming quite chilly under clear skies at first but turning very mild through the early hours." When it comes to Friday, October 8, the Met Office predicts "a windy day with gales on coasts and more widely over northern hills at first". Meanwhile, there will be "spells of rain, clearing south with cooler, sunnier weather and showers following from the north." There are several rainy days ahead for the UK (Image: WXCharts) The forecast for Saturday through to Monday currently reads: "Windy with sunny spells and showers on Saturday and feeling rather cold in the north. Brighter and calmer on Sunday before turning milder with some rain in places on Monday." From Tuesday onward, the forecast adds: "Remaining changeable through the middle of October, as a series of low pressure systems run across the North Atlantic, often to the north and northwest of the UK, bringing occasional bands of rain and strong winds, but interspersed with brighter and more showery conditions. "Rain will be most prevalent across hills in the west and especially northwest, where above-average rainfall is likely through this period. Longer drier interludes are more favoured in sheltered southern and eastern parts, but even here it is likely to be wetter than during recent weeks." Weather maps UK weather Cold weather Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments