The United Kingdom is bracing for the arrival of its first named storm of the season, Storm Agnes, which is forecasted to bring strong winds and heavy rain today. The UK’s Met Office has issued weather warnings for these adverse conditions.

According to the Met Office, Storm Agnes will transform Wednesday into a blustery day across the entire UK. The Irish Sea coasts, including regions of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, are expected to experience substantial rainfall and gusty winds.

A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued for much of the northwest of the UK by the Met Office, alongside yellow weather warnings for rain across parts of Scotland.

Meteorologists have noted that Storm Agnes is undergoing “explosive cyclogenesis,” a phenomenon marked by a rapid fall in pressure at the centre of a low-pressure system, leading to the development of violent winds.

The yellow weather warning for wind will be in effect from 12.00 BST on Wednesday until 7am on Thursday. Storm Agnes is anticipated to affect areas around the Irish Sea, encompassing the southwest and north of England, most of Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

Residents in these regions should prepare for increasing winds during Wednesday morning and afternoon, with the most intense winds forecasted along the Irish Sea coasts in the afternoon. Gusts could reach speeds of up to 60mph, with exposed coastal areas potentially experiencing winds of 60-75mph. There’s also a small possibility of some coastal locations encountering winds of approximately 80mph.

In addition to strong winds, these areas are expected to receive steady, heavy rainfall, along with significant waves along the coasts.

Met Office forecasts suggest that the centre of low pressure will be over Northern Ireland around 18.00 BST on Wednesday. As the storm moves northwestward during the afternoon and evening, a yellow weather warning for rain will be in effect for Scotland. Southwest Scotland could witness rainfall amounts of 30-50mm on Wednesday afternoon, with higher ground areas possibly receiving up to 60mm.

Storm Agnes is expected to clear and move away from the UK on Thursday morning. However, northern Scotland may continue to experience windy conditions throughout Thursday.

Following the passage of Storm Agnes, rain is forecasted to move into southern areas of the UK late on Thursday and into Friday.