Storm Austen named as wind and rain head for the UK

The Met Office has named Storm Austen, which is expected to bring disruptive wind and rain to parts of the UK from late on Thursday and into Friday.

It is the first named storm of the 2026/27 season. The Met Office names storms when they are expected to cause medium or high impacts, to help people understand the warnings and prepare.

What to expect

Tuesday and Wednesday will bring spells of rain and showers for many areas. The focus then shifts to the south-west of the UK late on Thursday, as an area of low pressure forming in the Atlantic deepens rapidly, driven by the jet stream, and Storm Austen begins its approach.

A yellow warning for wind has been issued for southern parts of England and south Wales. The Met Office says it brings a chance of travel disruption, power cuts and injuries from flying debris in places.

Tom Crabtree, the Met Office's deputy chief forecaster, said: "While the exact track and position of Storm Austen is still being determined, what's clear is that we have an impactful period of weather on the way and the potential for disruption in places, which has resulted in the system being named."

"Peak gusts in excess of 70mph are possible on the most exposed coastal areas, while 50 to 60mph are likely more widely within the warning area," he said. "Weather warnings are under constant review and could be updated as confidence increases, so it's important to stay up to date with the forecast in the coming days."

Rain as well as wind

The storm will move from west to east through Friday, with the wind easing later in the day. Rain is an extra hazard, with 20 to 30mm expected in many places and more over higher ground in the west and further north.

The storm's influence will fade late on Friday as it moves into the North Sea, but the Met Office says further spells of wind and rain are likely through the weekend and into the start of next week, with the heaviest rain most likely in western areas.

What it means for Birmingham

At this stage Birmingham sits just outside the warning area, but the track of the storm is still uncertain and the warnings could be extended. Anyone travelling south or west on Thursday night or Friday morning, including on the M5 and on trains towards Bristol and the south-west, should check before setting out.

Even outside the warning area, Friday is likely to be wet and blustery in the city. Residents are advised to secure garden furniture, bins and trampolines, and to keep an eye on the forecast as the week goes on.

The Met Office publishes its latest forecasts and warnings on its website and app, and on social media.