UK bank holiday weather: Severe wind warnings issued for Easter long weekend

Severe wind warnings have been issued for the Easter holiday in the UK. Heavy rain is likely to accompany the wind gusts at times, quashing hopes for a sunny bank holiday.

The entire region of Wales and England is on a 'yellow warning' alert for wind on 26 March, with wind speeds reaching up to 60mph at times. Coastal regions in the south west of England are likely to be the worst affected, where frequent gusts of 55-65mph are expected.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "Whilst the strongest gusts are likely to be confined to coastal districts at first, and in the immediate vicinity of the front, gales are likely to become more widespread inland later in the morning and through the afternoon [on 27 March]."

A warning has also been issued about the possibility of localised travel disruption because of the heavy winds. However, winds are likely to ease as the day continues, particularly in southern regions.

The wind warning comes days after weather forecasters confirmed that below-average temperatures are expected in the UK from April until June. The Weather Company said that the cooler than usual weather comes as the rest of Europe is bracing for warmer than normal temperatures.

Todd Crawford, chief meteorologist for the Weather Company, said: "A strong blocking pattern has set up across Europe for the first time since mid-January, and that is driving a rare spell of colder weather across much of the continent."

Unsettled weather conditions are due to hit the UK from the beginning of April, with some areas in the hills possibly seeing some snow as temperatures drop in the north. Strong winds and outbreaks of rain look likely towards the end of April, particularly in the north and north-west parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the Nordic countries are expected to be warmer than usual from now until June. Northern and southern mainland Europe is also expected to see above average temperatures during the spring months, whilst the UK and central Europe experience the worst of the chill.