As Storm Kathleen barrels through the United Kingdom, bringing fierce winds and disruptions to transportation networks, authorities have issued yellow weather warnings for vast swathes of the country The storm, which made landfall on Saturday, has prompted flight cancellations and diversions, particularly affecting airports in western England, Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, and Wales. The Met Office has forecasted wind gusts of up to 70 mph in some regions, posing a significant risk to aviation safety.
Already, approximately 70 flights to and from UK airports have been cancelled, with numerous arrivals diverted to alternative destinations. Notably, all Aer Lingus flights departing from Belfast City Airport faced cancellations, alongside many British Airways and Air France services. The disruption hasn’t been limited to air travel. Train services across Scotland have been significantly impacted, with Network Rail Scotland implementing speed restrictions on main routes in response to Storm Kathleen’s strong winds. Passengers have been urged to check their travel routes before embarking on journeys.
Meteorologists have linked Storm Kathleen to a surge in temperatures across the UK, with southerly winds sweeping warmer air from the continent. Ellie Glaisyer, a meteorologist at the Met Office, explained that the storm’s positioning to the west of the country is driving this influx of warmer weather, with temperatures expected to reach highs of 22°C.
As the storm continues to lash the UK with powerful gusts, the latest reports from the Met Office indicate that Lanarkshire’s Drum Albin experienced winds reaching 73 mph, while South Uist in the Western Isles recorded gusts of 70 mph.
Looking ahead, the Met Office has issued a forecast for April 7, warning of continued windy and blustery conditions accompanied by frequent squally showers. Southerly winds are expected to strengthen, potentially reaching gusts close to or just above 60 mph, particularly in the morning and early afternoon. However, winds are forecasted to veer southwesterly later in the day, with gust strengths easing slightly.