Urgent wind warnings issued as South West braced for gales

A weather warning for wind has been issued across areas of the South West including Dorset and Wiltshire. According to the Met Office, strong winds may cause disruption tomorrow (July 14) and Saturday (July 15).

Tomorrow's warning is in place from 7am to 7pm. It covers the western part of the Dorset^[1] coastline, including Chickerell, Dorchester^[2] and Weymouth^[3].

On Saturday, the yellow wind warning is in place from 9am to 11.59pm. It covers the whole of Dorset and Wiltshire, with forecasters warning people to expect an "unreasonably windy day" with "gust widely to 40 mph, and locally up to 50 to 55 mph during the daytime".

During both warnings, the Met Office says that travel disruption is likely in the areas affected. There may be delays to road traffic, train services and air travel.

Forecasters add that trees and temporary structures, such as marquees, tents and inflatables, may be damaged by the strong winds. Some coastal routes may also be affected by spray and large waves.

How high will wind speeds reach?

In Weymouth, wind speeds are set to peak at 39mph at around 4pm tomorrow (July 14). Meanwhile, in Dorchester the wind speeds will reach 37mph at the same time.

On Saturday, wind speeds in Poole are forecast to hit 48mph by 4pm. In Bournemouth, they will average around 35mph throughout the afternoon.

Likewise, winds will hit speeds of over 40mph in Wiltshire on Saturday. In Swindon, they will peak at 45mph at around 1pm.

Salisbury will also see speeds of 45mph during the afternoon while Warminster will peak at 46mph.

Met Office 5-day forecast for the South West

Today: A few showers will break out across the region during the morning, but these becoming isolated during the afternoon, with brighter weather developing for many. Still slightly breezy. Maximum temperature 21 °C.

Tonight: Many areas ending the day dry with some late sunshine in places. Clear spells at first overnight, but cloud and freshening winds developing as rain arrives from the southwest later. Minimum temperature 14 °C.

Friday: An unseasonably windy day, especially in Devon and Cornwall, where coastal gales are possible. Some heavy rain during the morning, the rain perhaps easing somewhat during the afternoon. Feeling cool. Maximum temperature 20 °C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday: Staying unsettled with heavy showers on Saturday and some locally torrential downpours and thunderstorms. Fewer showers on Sunday and Monday with lengthier sunny spells. Windy and feeling cool for July.

References

1. ^{^} Dorset (www.dorset.live)
2. ^{^} Dorchester (www.dorset.live)
3. ^{^} Weymouth (www.dorset.live)
4. ^{^} Gaia Pope-Sutherland: New BBC documentary see Zara McDermott explore tragic death of Dorset teenager (www.dorset.live)