WARNING: Severe weather to hit Devon

A weather warning for strong winds has been issued for the South West.

An unseasonably windy spell is likely across many parts of the UK later today (Monday), overnight and well into Tuesday, as active frontal systems sweep across the UK.

An initial swathe of southerly gales will move east across many parts later on Monday, giving gusts to 50 mph widely but 60-65 mph across exposed Irish Sea and perhaps some English Channel coasts.

Winds will become west or southwesterly on Tuesday, with further gales in places, before gradually easing later. Heavy rain will accompany the strong winds at times and large waves may affect some coasts in the west and south.

Given the unseasonable nature of the winds, the public should be aware of the potential for disruption to transport and outdoor activities. Damage to some trees seems likely.

There remains uncertainty in the areas likely to be worst affected and this warning will be updated on Monday in the light of new information.

The Met Office’s chief forecaster said: A powerful jet stream stretching across the Atlantic into the UK will steer a number of active weather systems across the UK during Monday and Tuesday.

“One such system will sweep eastwards later on Monday into Monday night, with the windy weather maintained well into Tuesday by a vigorous depression passing northern Scotland.

“Developments are complex so there is still considerable uncertainty in details of these developments, especially by Tuesday, when it may be less windy across parts of the south.”

The regional forecast is as follows:

Today:
A bright and breezy start for many, but some showers in the west. It'll turn cloudier through the day, and rain, locally heavy, will arrive in the west later, with gales, severe on exposed coasts, in the west by evening.

Tonight:
Windy tonight with gales. Heavy rain will clear eastwards leaving a damp end to the night in the south, some showers in the north and clearer spells in between.

Tuesday:
A cool and windy day with heavy, blustery showers in the north and west. After a damp start in the south it will become drier with some bright spells later.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Drier and brighter for most throughout, noticeably warmer as winds ease. However showers continue in the northwest Wednesday and Thursday with further rain Friday. Thundery showers likely in southeast Friday.