STRONG wind and rain is set to batter Dorset amid weather warnings from the Met Office.

The county has been enjoying a cold and dry sunny spell recently, but we're being warned that things are set to change over the next few days.

Met Office forecasters have predicted that fine and dry weather is to turn 'unsettled' by midweek. The last chance to enjoy the sunshine is likely to be Tuesday, when cloud will thicken during the evening as a band of heavy rain and strong winds moves in from the west overnight.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Residents are likely to wake to a wet and windy Wednesday, forecasters have warned - and there will be frequent blustery showers on Thursday and Friday.

Strong winds are forecast from Wednesday - leading to the Met Office imposing a yellow weather warning for the whole of the south west from 9pm Wednesday until 3pm Thursday.

Weather warning - what to expect:

  • Strong winds accompanied by heavy and blustery showers may bring some disruption to England and Wales.
  • Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely
  • Some short term loss of power and other services is possible
  • Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely
  • Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer

Today, meanwhile, we're being told it will be a fine and bright with plenty of sunny spells. Winds will remain light and it will feel pleasant in the sunshine. Maximum temperatures are due to reach around 9 °C.

Weather is set to remain dry this evening and overnight "with any cloud dissolving away to leave some long clear spells," the Met Office says.

Tonight is likely to feel "chilly" with a widespread frost developing and minimum temperatures of -2 °C.