What to expect this Sunday
Forecasts indicate a volatile weather spell sweeping across the UK this Sunday, with a band of low pressure bringing heavy downpours and powerful winds. After a mild spell with temperatures peaking around 18.6C near Aberystwyth on Monday, the weather picture is set to turn markedly more unsettled by the weekend. Forecasters warn that the heaviest rains—up to 17mm in about three hours—could batter the coastlines of East Sussex, West Sussex and Kent as the system moves in from the south and then tracks northwards.
Wind and rain: how strong, where
Gales of up to 45mph are forecast to affect coastal regions from Hampshire to East Sussex. The MetDesk data, drawn from Ventusky’s models, shows southerly winds building through Sunday afternoon, initially strongest along the southern coast, before veering westerly overnight. London is expected to feel the impact later in the evening, with Essex and Suffolk likely to be hit late on Sunday night. While the wind will ease somewhat in some inland areas, coastal towns will experience the most pronounced gusts.
Alongside the wind, rain will intensify, with the red zones on forecast maps indicating the heaviest downpours. The combination of gusty winds and rain will make it feel cooler—temperatures could drop to the low teens in places, and the wind chill could push feel-like temperatures to around 9C–10C on Sunday afternoon and evening in the southeast.
Short-term timings
Forecasters say the storm cluster will peak during the evening hours, roughly from 7pm onward, and persist through the night into Monday. Norfolk is also set to see heavy rainfall as the system pushes northeast and into the North Sea by Monday morning.
Context and longer-term outlook
The weather picture contrasts sharply with this week’s milder spell. After the near-record warmth, with readings reaching around 18C in Shoeburyness, Essex, the UK braces for a cooler, windier spell as the low-pressure system moves in. The Met Office long-range forecast notes that low pressure systems will likely move west across the UK, bringing spells of rain—sometimes heavy—and periods of stronger winds. It also flags patchy fog in the mornings in several regions, particularly on Friday across Wales, the Home Counties and parts of the Midlands.
What this means for plans
Travel and outdoor plans could be disrupted by surface water and gusty winds, especially on Sunday evening. If you’re near the coast or planning coastal activities, secure loose items and check local advisories. Motorists should exercise caution on exposed routes and higher ground where winds could be more intense. As the system moves in from the south and then northwards, conditions may improve gradually from Monday, but a rapid changeable spell could persist in parts of the country into the start of next week.
Historical context
Earlier in the month, Storm Amy caused damage and fatalities in some regions, underscoring how even near-term weather patterns can intensify quickly. While the current system has not been named yet by meteorologists, its potential rainfall and wind strength has prompted close monitoring from forecasters and local authorities alike.
In summary, an unsettled couple of days lie ahead with heavy rain and strong winds especially affecting the southern and eastern coasts this Sunday, before easing into a cooler, breezy start to next week.
