Local weather expected to take a dramatic turn this weekend

We've all felt the temperature drop significantly over the past week, with most of us digging out the hot water bottles, fleecy duvets and winter woolies.

The Met Office have just issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds, expected to blow in this weekend.

They report: "The strongest winds will arrive across northern Scotland during Friday afternoon before developing further south through the evening across the rest of Scotland, Northern Ireland and some exposed coasts of northern England.

"The location and strength of the very strongest winds remains uncertain. However, gusts seem likely to reach 50 to 60 mph widely, with 70 to 80 mph possible in coastal locations."

What to expect:

• Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely

• There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs

• There is a small chance that some roads and bridges could close

• There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

Northern Ireland Weekly Forecast:

Today: Mostly dry with only a few light showers cropping up, these mainly confined around northern coastal districts. Rather cloudy with best of the limited brighter spells appearing during the afternoon. Westerly breezes. Maximum temperature 10 °C

Tonight: The majority will stay dry with clear spells through the evening. Southwest winds strengthening overnight as a band of showery rain spreads from the northwest towards dawn. Minimum temperature 1 °C

Wednesday: Cloud and showery rain for most initially, which soon clears to the south and east to leave a mix of sunshine and occasional blustery showers. Maximum temperature 9 °C

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Sunshine and blustery showers for Thursday. Friday and Saturday turning more unsettled with severe gales and periods of rain

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• local weather
• winter
• Met Office