Hurricane Ophelia is approaching the UK as forecasters warn of heavy rain and gusts of up to 80mph – while some areas will enjoy a balmy 25C (77F).
The Met Office has issued severe weather alerts, warning of potential power cuts, damage to buildings and disruption to transport and mobile phone signal.
The tropical storm is making its way across the Atlantic Ocean, and Ophelia’s remnants look set to reach the UK on Monday.
As part of the ex-Ophelia effect, weather warnings are in place for the Highlands on Monday and the North east on Tuesday.
In the north, road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs could happen, perhaps leading to injuries and danger to life from flying debris. Coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities may be affected by spray and possibly large waves.
And on Tuesday in the North east, there will be a slight chance of longer journeys times and some roads and bridges could close. There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
Monday will also see a spell of “very windy weather” sweeping across western parts of the UK, according to the Met Office which has issued a yellow warning for wind early next week, with the potential for gusts of 80mph in coastal areas, particularly in Northern Ireland.
Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, and there could be power cuts, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
Forecasters say some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, is possible, and could lead to injuries and danger to life from flying debris, while coastal routes and sea fronts may be affected by spray or large waves.
Meanwhile, the mercury is set to rise over the coming days, with temperatures of 25C (77F) predicted.
A Met Office spokeswoman said: “The east side of the country certainly benefiting from some warmer temperatures into the weekend and at the start of next week.”
She said temperatures in the south east will be around 20C (68F), going up to 22C (72F) or 23C (73F) on Sunday and “almost mid 20s” on Monday, possibly getting to around 25C (77F).
“Even up as far as Nottingham on Monday will see quite widely again 20C/21C, but may well see 22C/23C,” she said.