High winds set to hit New Forest and Christchurch as Met Office issues yellow warning

HIGH winds are set to batter the New Forest and Christchurch tomorrow and Friday, the Met office has said.

The weather agency has issued a yellow warning for the area, with gusts predicted of 50-60mph in coastal areas and 45-50mph inland.

This could see delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport, and damage to temporary outdoor structures such as marquees and gazebos.

Some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and large waves, and it's likely the conditions will bring down tree branches.

The alert is in force from 6pm tomorrow through to 9pm Friday.

The wind warning coincides with further unsettled weather across much of the UK. Outbreaks of heavy rain will continue for much of the country into Friday, leaving continued showery remnants for the weekend.

Met office chief meteorologist Dan Suri said: “The low pressure system moving in from the west is going to bring some heavy rain across much of the UK from Thursday and into Friday. With wind looking to be strongest in southern coastal areas, including south Wales, there’s a chance of some disruption to travel plans and potential damage to temporary structures, such as tents and marquees.”

Drier conditions are set to arrive from Tuesday, with "some indications" of temperatures climbing towards more typical figures for this time of year.

Dan added: “There are some glimmers of hope in the forecast into next week, with more settled weather possible from Tuesday. In areas of prolonged sunshine, we should be seeing some quite pleasant conditions, but night temperatures will continue to stay stubbornly low.”

May so far has been cooler and wetter than average, although still not at record levels for the month.