HEAVY rain and strong gale force winds could cause problems on the roads and bring down trees this afternoon.

This morning, the Met Office updated their initial yellow 'be aware' weather warning which will now come into force at 2pm instead of 4pm with gusty winds of up to 70mph and heavy rain forecast. 

Bournemouth Echo:

The warning is valid until 6pm on Tuesday. 

The chief forecaster's assessment says: "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.

The Met Office warned that the public should be aware of the potential for disruption to transport and outdoor activities and said damage to trees seems "likely". 

Large waves are also expected along the coast.

Condor Ferries have cancelled Tuesday's Condor Liberation cross channel service and return between Poole and Guernsey. 

The end of the week is expected to be brighter with temperatures set to soar.

Some parts of the country could see the mercury peak at 30C.

The warmer weather is set to arrive from Wednesday.

The Met Office forecast for Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 14 says: "Mostly dry and fine across the UK on Friday, with long periods of sunshine probably much warmer than of late.

"A few showers are possible, and there is a risk that heavy and thundery showers may develop across southern parts. A similar story into the weekend with very warm conditions developing, with a continuing risk of thunderstorms in the south.

"Into the second week of June, there is likely to be a fair amount of fine and dry weather especially in the south, but relatively unsettled in the northwest. A brisk wind is possible in the far south around the start of the week. Exact temperatures towards the end of the period are uncertain, but further warm spells are likely."