Forecasters say heavy rain and strong winds could cause travel chaos and put lives at risk ahead of the Easter weekend.

The Met Office has issued weather warnings for rainfall and strong winds in parts of Northern Ireland and southern England over the coming days.

Hopes for a dry and sunny Easter bank holiday have been dashed, with forecasters warning of rain across the country from Friday to Monday.

Northern Ireland is expected to receive up to 30mm of rain when a yellow warning comes into effect for eastern Northern Ireland from 7am to 5pm on Thursday.

A further yellow strong wind warning is in place for much of England’s south coast, from East Sussex to Cornwall, from 7am to 6pm on Thursday, with gusts up to 70mph.

The new warning comes as much of the country prepares for a pandemic outbreak over the Easter weekend.

Showers are expected on Good Friday and will continue on Saturday and Easter Sunday, according to forecasters.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Helen Cowie said: “Showers will continue into the weekend, particularly in the south and west.

“However, we are likely to see conditions improve in most areas, with showers tending to become less frequent, particularly in the east and north, with better chances of longer periods of sunshine.

“The winds will also lighten up and temperatures should start to rise, feeling warm in any sunshine.

“Wider instability is likely to resurface on Easter Monday.”

The bad weather won’t stop here as forecasters are predicting wet weather next weekend as well.

The Met Office said in its long-term weather forecast that the UK will see more rain and “unstable, changeable weather” will dominate the country.

They added that southern areas will see the wettest weather, while northern areas will see cooler temperatures.

The Met Office said: “Another area of ​​low pressure is moving in from the south, making the weather more unsettled and changeable.”

“All areas are likely to receive further rainfall or showers at times, with some dry periods in between. The wettest weather tends to favor the south, while northern areas remain a bit dry on average.”

Just a few weeks ago, England experienced its wettest 18 months since records began in 1836.

Met Office data shows the meteorological winter from December to the end of last month was one of the wettest on record. Many parts of southern England received well over twice the average rainfall last month, causing flooding and travel disruption.

There were 57 flood warnings and 190 flood warnings in place across England last month, with several warnings in force in Wales as heavy rain caused flooding on roads and rail lines.

Farmers said crops were damaged, leading to reduced yields of some vegetables such as cauliflower.

In early January, more than 1,000 homes were flooded and rivers burst their banks across the country.

Meteorological Bureau Outlook

Wednesday:

Rain and mountain snow will move north across Scotland and Northern Ireland, followed by brighter weather and showers. Meanwhile, a spell of showers will move eastward across England and Wales. It was sunny in front and pouring rain behind. Generally the wind is relatively strong.

Wednesday night:

The weather was initially sunny with scattered heavy showers. Much of Scotland became dry overnight. However, showers continued across Northern Ireland and heavy rain fell across England and Wales.

Thursday:

Some bright spells, especially around Scotland at the start. However, showers will move northward over much of the area during the day. There is hail, thunder and strong wind in the south.

Outlook for Friday through Sunday:

Good Friday was sunny but with light winds and lots of showers. There will be more showers on Saturday and Easter Sunday, with sunshine and less wind and a warmer feel.