BBC News
Storm Dave has been officially named by the Met Office and is expected to bring severe gales and blizzard conditions to northern regions of the UK during the Easter weekend.
Yellow weather warnings for both wind and snow have been issued for Saturday night and into Sunday, as a significant area of low pressure is projected to move across the north-western parts of the country.
The potential for damage, power outages, and travel disruptions is considerable.
This situation is just one element of a varied Easter forecast, which will also include heavy rainfall mixed with intervals of warm sunshine.
Significant temperature contrasts in the USA and Canada have intensified the jet stream—a high-altitude flow of strong winds that influences weather systems and directs them around the globe.
Current predictions indicate that this dynamic will push a deep low-pressure system towards the UK this coming Saturday.
The Met Office's yellow wind warnings encompass all of Scotland and Northern Ireland, in addition to sizable portions of northern England and north Wales.
These warnings are in effect at different intervals on Saturday afternoon, overnight, and into Sunday.
Forecasts suggest widespread wind gusts of 50-60 mph (80-97 km/h), with the possibility of reaching 70 mph (113 km/h) in exposed areas, particularly along coastal zones.
Central and northern Scotland may experience wind gusts peaking at 80-90 mph (129-144 km/h), accompanied by substantial waves that could create hazardous conditions along the coastline.
Such fierce winds pose risks for property damage, power outages, and considerable travel delays.
Certain roads and bridges may experience closures, which could significantly affect what is anticipated to be the busiest Easter for travel in four years.
Train and ferry operations may also face disruptions.
Additionally, the Met Office has issued a snow warning for parts of north-west Scotland on Saturday evening and overnight.
Accumulations of 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) of snow are anticipated, predominantly on higher ground above 200 m (650 ft), with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 20 cm (8 inches).
When combined with strong winds, these snow conditions could lead to blizzards, snow drifts, and very poor visibility on the roads.
Storm Dave is merely one component of a broader weather narrative that will unfold throughout the UK during the extended weekend.
Good Friday is set to commence mostly under cloudy skies with intermittent rain.
Many regions in England and Wales are likely to experience persistent grey and damp conditions throughout the day. However, some sunny breaks may emerge in Northern Ireland and Scotland, albeit interspersed with brief showers.
The day will feature quite windy conditions, with temperatures ranging from 7°C (45°F) in northern Scotland to 15°C (59°F) in eastern England.
A band of cloud and rain will progress northward across the country on Saturday, transitioning to snow in the mountainous areas of Scotland, accompanied by a few sunny intervals before and after this band of wet weather.
Winds will intensify throughout the day as Storm Dave approaches.
Easter Sunday is expected to witness significant weather contrasts as the storm's grip begins to weaken.
Strong winds will persist across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, contributing to a chilly atmosphere with frequent showers.
Some of these showers may be wintry over higher elevations, and snow is even possible at lower altitudes in northern Scotland temporarily.
Further south, conditions will remain breezy with sporadic showers, but large portions of Wales and southern England should see predominantly dry weather with periodic sunny spells.
As winds diminish on Sunday evening, temperatures are expected to drop, potentially resulting in frost in many areas.
Nevertheless, after a chilly start to Monday, temperatures will rise throughout the day due to southerly winds, reaching 11-17°C (52-63°F) by the afternoon.
Most regions are projected to be dry with patchy clouds and sunny intervals, likely leading to high or very high pollen levels.
Looking beyond the Easter weekend, forecasts indicate a rather variable weather pattern, with milder conditions likely transitioning to April showers and possibly additional strong winds—though there is some discrepancy among computer weather models regarding the specifics.
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