Weather warnings for strong winds up to 90mph over Easter Weekend

Weather warnings for very strong winds has been issued across Scotland over the Easter weekend.

The Met Office said that there was risk of damage and travel disruption amid a yellow alert.

Gusts of up to 90mph are forecast in exposed areas in the west with winds of up to 60mph expected more widely.

STV meteorologist Sean Batty has said the unsettled weather would turn stormy

Scotland

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Sean Batty lays out his forecast for the Easter weekend

“If you’re planning a ferry journey over the Easter weekend, be prepared for possible disruption, particularly across the north and west, where gales are likely to cause issues with timetables,” he said.

The first Met Office yellow weather warning comes into force at 6pm on Saturday and remains in effect until midday on Easter Sunday.

It covers the entirety of mainland Scotland and the islands in the west.

A second yellow wind alert covering the Shetland and Orkney islands comes into force at midnight on Sunday and lasts throughout the day.

Insight Sean Batty STV meteorologist

Good Friday

Good Friday will start with rain clearing to brighter conditions, but heavy, blustery showers will follow. Winds will strengthen through the day, with gusts reaching 50–55mph across the Western Isles, far north Highlands and Northern Isles.

Saturday

Saturday looks like the pick of the weekend for many, with plenty of dry and bright weather across the north and east. However, rain will push into the west later in the afternoon, with winds beginning to freshen once again.

The most unsettled weather is expected Saturday night into Easter Sunday, as a vigorous storm system moves across the country. This could bring gusts of around 50 mph quite widely, with peaks closer to 70 mph along exposed coasts in the north and west, including the Hebrides. This system may even be named, so keep an eye on updates.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday itself will remain windy, especially across Orkney and Shetland where stormy conditions could persist for much of the day as the system pulls away towards Norway. Elsewhere, expect frequent showers in the west, gusty winds, and snow over the hills. Some heavier showers may also bring hail or sleet to lower levels.

Easter Monday

Easter Monday looks more settled for most, with a good deal of dry and sunny weather. However, winds may strengthen again across the Hebrides later in the day, with gusts around 50mph possible.