London is bracing for unsettled weather as Storm Austen, the first named storm of the 2026 autumn season, approaches from the Atlantic. Forecasters warn of heavy rainfall and strong winds impacting the capital and surrounding regions starting late Thursday night.
Storm Forecast and Impact
Data from the Met Office and BBC Weather shows the storm will bring a significant shift in conditions following a mild start to October. London will experience overcast skies and intermittent showers on Tuesday and Wednesday before conditions deteriorate late Thursday.
Heavy rain is predicted to move into the capital around 11:00 PM on Thursday and continue through Friday. Winds will strengthen significantly, with gusts reaching up to 45mph by Friday afternoon, potentially causing disruption to public transport and daily activities.
Met Office Weather Warnings
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind, effective from midnight Friday until 12:00 PM that day. While this warning primarily covers south Wales, the southwest of England, and southern coastal counties, the wider impacts of the low-pressure system will affect much of southern England.
- Coastal Areas: Potential wind speeds exceeding 70mph.
- Wider Regions: Expected gusts of 50-60mph.
- London: Anticipated gusts of up to 45mph.
Weekend Weather Outlook
Storm Austen will clear into the North Sea by Friday evening, bringing a brief period of calmer, clearer weather overnight. However, this respite will be short-lived. A second, deep area of low pressure is forecast to arrive at the start of the weekend, bringing further wet and windy conditions to the UK.
This secondary system is less severe than Storm Austen, but it will still bring heavy rain and strong winds, particularly affecting Scotland and western parts of the UK. Londoners can expect a slightly drier and warmer Sunday, with temperatures potentially reaching 17C, following a blustery and wet Saturday.
Safety and Travel Advice
Authorities advise residents to monitor the latest forecasts. High winds and heavy rain can cause localized flooding, travel delays, and potential power disruptions. Commuters should check for service updates on rail and bus networks before traveling on Friday morning.
