Residents in Swindon are being urged to prepare for an unsettled Easter weekend as the Met Office warns of a mix of rain and strong winds across the holiday period. The poor weather is set to arrive on Friday 3 April, with conditions expected to remain changeable through to Monday 6 April.
The most severe weather is expected on Saturday 4 April, when wind gusts in the area could reach up to 42mph. While daytime temperatures will hover between 11°C and 14°C, residents should be aware that the wind chill will make it feel significantly colder, with “feels like” temperatures dropping to as low as 6°C on Friday. Sunday 5 April currently offers a brief period of respite with sunny intervals before the rain returns on Monday.
Travel plans may be complicated by these conditions, especially as millions of people across the UK are expected to take to the roads. Data suggests that around 21 million car journeys are planned for the bank holiday weekend, with traffic congestion likely to peak on Saturday between 10am and midday. Additionally, Network Rail has confirmed a six-day shutdown on the West Coast Main Line, which is expected to cause significant disruption to intercity train services.
For those sensitive to airborne allergens, the weather will bring further challenges as pollen levels are forecast to be medium on Friday and Saturday. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Keates noted that the country should prepare for an unsettled spell with rain that could be heavy at times. Locals are encouraged to check their travel routes in advance and secure any loose items in their gardens before the stronger winds arrive on Saturday.
You can find the latest local forecast information for the area by visiting the Met Office website.
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