Britain is bracing for Storm Lilian, the twelfth named storm of the season, which is set to bring powerful winds and torrential rain to northern parts of the country overnight. The Met Office has warned that gusts could reach up to 80mph in some areas, with heavy rain likely to cause flooding and disruption as millions prepare for the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Storm Lilian will hit parts of northern England, north Wales, and southern Scotland early on Friday morning, with the worst of the weather expected to last until mid-morning. The Met Office has issued multiple yellow weather warnings, including a rain warning for south-west Scotland and the Aberdeenshire coast from 9 p.m. on Thursday to 9 a.m. on Friday, as well as wind warnings for northern England and north Wales.
Severe Weather Warnings
Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly warned of potentially damaging winds:
Storm Lilian will bring some potentially damaging gusts during Friday morning, with gusts widely in the 50-60mph range, with the possibility of some gusts in excess of 75mph in a few places.
Lilian’s heavy rainfall could also lead to surface water flooding, particularly in Scotland, where the rain will fall on already saturated ground. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued 21 flood alerts across various regions, including Orkney, the Western Isles, and Dumfries and Galloway.
Bank Holiday Disruptions Expected
The storm arrives as millions of Britons prepare for Bank Holiday getaways, with the RAC estimating that 19.2 million leisure trips will be made by car over the weekend. Friday alone is expected to see 3.2 million journeys, the highest number recorded since the RAC began tracking this data in 2015.
Storm Lilian is expected to move into the North Sea by late Friday morning, but the aftermath of the storm will leave behind unsettled conditions across much of the country, particularly in northern areas. The Met Office has warned of potential travel disruptions, with dangerous conditions near the coast, power cuts, and flooding likely to impact plans.
Signs of a Mini-Heatwave Next Week
Despite the stormy conditions, there is some good news on the horizon for those in the south and southeast. Following the storm, a mini-heatwave could bring summer-like temperatures to parts of the UK next week. The capital is set to enjoy sunny spells, with temperatures reaching up to 26°C from Wednesday to Friday, according to BBC Weather.
However, before the warmer weather arrives, much of the country will experience a typically “unsettled” Bank Holiday weekend. Campers, festivalgoers, and holidaymakers have been advised to prepare for rain and cooler temperatures, though conditions are expected to improve by Sunday.
August’s Wet and Windy Weather Continues
This August has already seen its fair share of wet and windy weather, with remnants of Hurricane Ernesto contributing to the recent downpours. The northwest of the UK, in particular, has experienced frequent showers and strong winds, which are set to continue into the weekend.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Nick Silkstone said:
Early Saturday will likely see heavy rainfall across southern and southeastern parts of England, but this should clear by mid-afternoon, with just a few showers following. Thereafter, through to Monday, many southern and eastern areas will remain dry and fine, but temperatures will be at or even a touch below average.”
In contrast, the northwest will continue to see unsettled conditions with periods of rain and strong winds, adding to what has already been a wet month for the region.
As the Bank Holiday weekend approaches, the Met Office will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates on any further warnings. For now, those in the north and east should prepare for a stormy few days, while those in the south look forward to the promise of warmer, sunnier weather next week.
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