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Storm Barbara today

[Updated 07:45 23/12/2016]

Storm Barbara will bring severe weather to parts of the UK today. This morning starts with stormy conditions in the north west of the UK but elsewhere it is mostly dry.

Through the day strong winds and outbreaks of rain spread southeastwards with the heaviest bursts reaching London by the early evening. Wind gusts of over 80mph are expected in the far north and severe gales affect much of the west and north west. Even in the south east gusts of over 50mph are possible. During the afternoon colder and showery conditions follow into the north west.

Maximum temperatures range from about 7C (45F) in Scotland to 13C (55F) in the south west. See the rainfall radar for the latest view.

Tonight the wet weather clears away southeastwards and winds ease. In the north west wintry showers continue and it remains very windy.

Christmas Eve should be mostly dry in the south but cloud builds. In the north it will be windy and showery in the morning but through the afternoon persistent rain spreads in from the west.

Christmas begins very mild and breezy with stormy conditions in the north and during the day strong winds and outbreaks of rain push southeastwards. Colder weather follows on into the north late in the day and there is a chance of wintry showers in a few places.

Buzz looks at the storm risk. To keep up to date with the latest view for the big day check our Christmas Countdown which is updated daily.

Ensembles at a glance

The 16 day GEFS ensemble show the weather turning unsettled in the short term but after Boxing Day drier conditions return. By the New Year it begins to turn colder.