WARNING: Severe weather to hit Devon

A weather warning for strong winds has been issued for the South West.

An unseasonably windy spell is likely across many parts of the UK later today (Monday), overnight and well into Tuesday, as active frontal systems sweep across the UK.

An initial swathe of southerly gales will move east across many parts later on Monday, giving gusts to 50 mph widely but 60-65 mph across exposed Irish Sea and perhaps some English Channel coasts.

Winds will become west or southwesterly on Tuesday, with further gales in places, before gradually easing later. Heavy rain will accompany the strong winds at times and large waves may affect some coasts in the west and south.

Given the unseasonable nature of the winds, the public should be aware of the potential for disruption to transport and outdoor activities. Damage to some trees seems likely.

The weather warning is valid from 2pm today (Monday) until 6pm tomorrow.

The Met Office’s chief forecaster said: "A powerful jet stream stretching across the Atlantic into the UK will steer a number of active weather systems across the UK during Monday and Tuesday.

"A front will cross from the west on Monday and Monday night bringing 20-40 mm of rain to northern and western areas along with gales, severe on some coasts and hills.

"The windy weather will be maintained well into Tuesday by a vigorous depression crossing northern Scotland. Developments are complex so there is still some uncertainty in the detail, especially by Tuesday, and this warning will be kept under review."

The regional forecast is as follows:

Today:
A bright and breezy start for many, but some showers in the west. It'll turn cloudier through the day, and rain, locally heavy, will arrive in the west later, with gales, severe on exposed coasts, in the west by evening.

Tonight:
Windy tonight with gales. Heavy rain will clear eastwards leaving a damp end to the night in the south, some showers in the north and clearer spells in between.

Tuesday:
A cool and windy day with heavy, blustery showers in the north and west. After a damp start in the south it will become drier with some bright spells later.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Drier and brighter for most throughout, noticeably warmer as winds ease. However showers continue in the northwest Wednesday and Thursday with further rain Friday. Thundery showers likely in southeast Friday.