Unusually powerful winds and substantial rain are anticipated according to the Met Office with the approach of Storm Floris.
Next week, the United Kingdom is set to experience the wrath of Storm Floris, a powerful storm that is forecast to bring unusually strong and dangerous winds combined with heavy rain to northern areas of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
According to the Met Office, Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024/2025 storm naming season. The storm naming season runs from September last year to 31 August this year.
The storm is predicted to hit the UK next week, with its strongest winds most likely affecting Scotland on Monday afternoon and night. Wind speeds are forecast to reach 80-90 mph in exposed and elevated areas of Scotland, with gusts of 50-70 mph more widely. Northern England and Northern Ireland can expect gusts of 40-60 mph, especially in exposed coastal and high ground areas.
The amber warning issued by the Met Office for much of Scotland, with yellow warnings for parts of Northern Ireland and northern England, highlights the severe wind hazard. The risk of flying debris is a particular concern in Scotland, with the Met Office advising people to avoid opening doors unless necessary.
Rainfall will also be significant, particularly in northern and western Scotland, with 20-30 mm expected generally and localized amounts of up to 40-80 mm over hills and mountains. Northern England and Northern Ireland will also see persistent periods of rainfall, which combined with strong winds may cause local flooding and exacerbate travel disruption.
The unusual timing of such strong winds in August increases risks, as trees are in full leaf, making them more susceptible to being uprooted or losing limbs. Authorities anticipate considerable disruption to rail services and electricity networks, with ongoing impacts expected into Tuesday following the storm’s passage.
Overall, Storm Floris is forecast to bring severe wind and rain hazards causing travel disruption, power outages, and safety risks primarily in northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland on and around August 4, 2025.
Travel disruptions are expected on road, rail, air, and ferry services during Storm Floris, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. It is advised to stay updated with the latest weather updates and to plan travel accordingly.
In July 2022, the UK experienced its fifth warmest July on record, with a mean average temperature of 16.8C. July 2022 was the sixth consecutive month of above-average mean temperatures for the UK. June 2022 was the warmest June on record for England and the second warmest June for the country as a whole.
There remains some uncertainty about the depth and track of Storm Floris, according to the Met Office. It is important to stay informed and follow the advice of local authorities during this time.
[1] Met Office - Storm Floris: Yellow warnings issued for wind and rain in parts of the UK, https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2025-08-04 [2] BBC News - Storm Floris: Amber warning issued for wind and rain in Scotland, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58365389 [4] Met Office - Storm Floris: Yellow warning issued for wind and rain in parts of the UK, https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2025-08-04 [5] The Guardian - Storm Floris: Northern England and Scotland braced for 80mph winds and heavy rain, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jul/31/storm-floris-northern-england-and-scotland-braced-for-80mph-winds-and-heavy-rain
Despite the unusually cold and rainy weather forecast for Storm Floris next week, Great Britain endured its fifth warmest July on record in 2022, highlighting the potential for weather unpredictability. This storm season's sixth named storm, Storm Floris, is predicted to cause severe wind and rain hazards, primarily in northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, leading to travel disruptions and safety concerns, particularly on and around August 4, 2025.
