Brits may have to brace for a storm of wind and rain next week as the tail end of Hurricane Kirk passes.

The Met Office warned of unsettled weather over the weekend, ahead of potentially disruptive conditions from midweek caused by the remnants of the extreme storm heading towards north-western Europe.

Hurricane Kirk remains at Category 4 strength in the central North Atlantic. Chris Bulmer, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, said: “Kirk over the North Atlantic will lose its hurricane status early next week before heading towards north-western Europe.

“The resulting low pressure area will still have the potential to cause disruptive rain and winds in some areas, including parts of the UK, from the middle of next week. Many details regarding the exact process and timing of the system still need to be clarified.

“Across the UK, parts of England and Wales face the greatest risk of heavy rain and strong winds on Wednesday and Thursday. However, a further southerly direction of this system, which is equally plausible at this point, would lead to the most devastating conditions for France.”

Strong winds and heavy rain could threaten what is expected to be a “largely unsettled” period, the meteorologist said.

In a long-term forecast for the period October 9-18, the Met Office said: “Frequent showers, particularly over southern areas, are initially likely to lead to more widespread rainfall and strong winds, with the remnants of Hurricane Kirk in mid to late.” come along.” per week.

“Scotland and Northern Ireland are more likely to get colder and showers quickly and the colder weather (perhaps some snow in the Scottish mountains) will most likely gradually work its way south.

“A calmer interlude is then possible, but the following week will likely see further periods of wind and rain coming from the west, again with a focus on southern areas, and temperatures will be around average again.”

A mix of sunshine and showers is expected for many over the weekend. A fine day is expected for England and much of Wales on Saturday, although there could be outbreaks of rain elsewhere, according to Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick.

She said: “As we start the weekend we will still see these outbreaks of rain across Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland (with the weather) generally easing by the afternoon, beyond the Scottish borders.

“Elsewhere there will be lots of bright sunshine and it will feel warm and there will also be lighter winds in that sunshine.”

She said some downpours were expected in the afternoon and evening, but with highs of 17 to 18C “it will still feel warm and comfortable for the time of year”.

The Met Office said a band of rain, which could be heavy at times, will be part of a stormy Sunday featuring sunny spells and heavy showers, as well as maximum temperatures of around 18C.