It is time to batten down the hatches in Somerset as the Met Office warns of a swathe of southerly gales accompanied by heavy rain today and Tuesday

The warning is in place from 2pm today through until 6pm on Tuesday, with damage to trees 'likely' as they are in full leaf.

According to the Met Office the unseasonably windy spell is due to an active frontal systems sweeping across the UK.

An initial swathe of southerly gales accompanied by heavy rain will move east across many parts later on Monday, giving gusts of 40-50 mph widely but 60-70 mph across exposed Irish Sea and perhaps some English Channel coasts.

Winds will become west or southwesterly on Tuesday, with further gusts to 40-50 mph more locally, before gradually easing later. Large waves will affect some coasts in the west and south at times.

Given the unseasonable nature of the winds, the public should be aware of the potential for disruption to transport and outdoor activities. Damage to some trees seems likely.

According to the chief forecaster: "A powerful jet stream stretching across the Atlantic into the UK will steer a number of active weather systems across the UK during Monday and Tuesday.

"A front will cross from the west on Monday and Monday night bringing 20-40 mm of rain to northern and western areas along with gales, severe on some coasts and hills. The windy weather will be maintained well into Tuesday by a vigorous depression crossing northern Scotland. Developments are complex so there is still some uncertainty in the detail, especially by Tuesday, and this warning will be kept under review."