Winds up to 70mph predicted in Scotland as weather warning comes into force

A windy weather warning has taken effect in Scotland, with gusts of up to 70mph expected.

The Met Office issued the yellow weather warning for the northwest, stretching across the Western Isles and parts of the Highlands - including the Isle of Skye, and up to the coastal villages of Durness and Tongue.

The warning came into force at 10am and lasts until 7pm.

The forecaster said strong south to south-westerly winds are anticipated, with gusts between 50 and 60mph "expected widely".

Some exposed coastal and hilly areas could also see gusts of up to 70mph in the late morning and early afternoon.

The weather is expected to ease through the late afternoon and early evening.

Check the forecast where you are

Sky News weather producer Jo Robinson said: "Strengthening winds will bring gusts of 50 to 60mph to northwest Scotland on Wednesday, potentially reaching 70mph along coasts and over hills.

"Power supplies and travel could be disrupted.

"The strong winds are associated with an unusually deep area of low pressure for October, which is moving towards Iceland.

"The jet stream - a ribbon of fast-moving air high in the atmosphere - picked up warm, humid air associated with what was once Hurricane Isaias and helped form a new, rapidly deepening area of low pressure.

"That system is bringing strong winds to the UK, along with rain, which will spread slowly south-eastwards over the next few days.

"We also have warm, humid air moving in, particularly across the south.

"Temperatures could reach 20C on Wednesday, with a small chance of 23C in southeast England on Thursday.

"This is well above average, and some warm nights are also expected.

"It will turn much cooler from Friday, but high pressure moving in should keep the weekend mostly dry."

The Met Office said Wednesday's windy weather is "likely" to cause delays to road, air and ferry transport, with bus and train services also potentially being affected.

There may also be delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges, as well as possible short-term loss of power and other services.

Sailings on a number of CalMac ferry routes have been cancelled or disrupted.

And in response to a forecast of heavy rain, Network Rail Scotland plans to implement a speed restriction over a nine-mile section of the West Highland Line between Glenfinnan and Lochailort stations from 8pm on Wednesday until 10am on Thursday.

ScotRail warned: "If you're travelling between Fort William and Mallaig this evening or tomorrow morning, please be aware that your journey may take a little longer than usual."

(c) Sky News 2026: Winds up to 70mph predicted in Scotland as weather warning comes into force