Thanks to some of the coldest December air in the last 20 years sweeping down over the U.S and now out into the open Atlantic, the jet stream has become super charged, accelerating beyond 200 mph.

This jet shall fuel the rapid deepening of low pressure crossing the Atlantic, particularly nearer Ireland. Today into tonight sees gales cross Scotland with blustery, wintry showers to follow during Wednesday but this is merely a precursor to a much livelier Christmas weekend ahead.

Behind the main cold front, much colder air of arctic origin sweeps in bringing hill snow and wintry mix to low levels. Will feel raw in exposure.

GFS snow forecast through 48 hours.

THIS WEEKEND: PREPARE FOR DISRUPTION TO TRAVEL AND POWER!

The Met Office has named the season’s 2nd storm in anticipation of the 1st of 2 deep Atlantic lows expected to hit the UK and Ireland Friday into Christmas Eve. Hot on Barbara’s heels is another deep low expected to hit Christmas Day and I expect this to be named in the coming days.

Met Office has an early AMBER (be prepared) warning for wind in N/W Scotland for Friday!

Storm 1 (Barbara)

SURFACE PRECIP/PRESSURE

WIND GUSTS (KNOTS)

Models suggest hurricane-force winds out at sea will build waves to 48ft Christmas Eve between Scotland and Iceland.

Storm 2 (Christmas Day)

 

Wave heights of up to 30ft+ expected on windward side of the Western Isles Christmas Day.

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: wxcharts ‏@wxcharts

Watch this morning’s video.