Weekend forecast as tropical storm Bertha approaches

The Met Office has been assessing the likelihood of the UK seeing any effects from Bertha by using their own forecast models alongside models from other world-leading forecast centres.

At the moment southern parts of the UK look as though they are most at risk. However, there is also the possibility that the storm could move across northern France as a weak feature and also a risk of a more intense system affecting the UK more widely, including parts of West Yorkshire.

The remains of hurricane Bertha, over the western side of the Atlantic will come steadily towards the UK during the next few days. The transition from a tropical to an extra-tropical feature is a particularly hard one to forecast with confidence, so there are still some differences in the location and intensity of the resulting depression, which is expected to pass over, or close to, the UK from early on Sunday.

Chief Forecaster, Eddy Carroll, said: “There is still considerable uncertainty surrounding this weekend’s weather, with the potential for heavy rainfall and strong coastal winds, along with large waves.

“However, there is a chance that the system may pass to the south of the country, or spread heavy rain even further north. Rain and strong winds may well bring disruption, especially in the south, and people should stay up to date with the latest Met Office warnings.”