Well after the settled weather of January, which was down to a large area of high pressure, we're now under the influence of low pressure systems.
The jetstream on Thursday morning will engage with an area of low pressure over the Atlantic which will make it deepen very quickly as it moves eastwards.
Stormy conditions will develop in the west during Thursday afternoon with gusts of wind 60-80mph around the Argyll coast and the Hebrides. There is a possibility of winds reaching 90mph through the Minches. Winds over the open waters will be in the region storm force 10 to violent storm force 11 - just one level lower than force 12, which is hurricane force, although this could be achieved closer to the storm centre north of the Western Isles.
The Central Belt will get winds up to around 60-70mph as the wind turns more westerly later in the afternoon and into Thursday evening.
Elsewhere winds of 50-60mph will be experienced with 60-70mph gusts reaching the Northern Isles later in the day also.
Heavy rain during the afternoon and evening will be followed on by frequent sleet, snow and hail showers to the north and north-west of the country.
The stormy conditions in the north and west will lead to very rough seas and high waves which in turn may give coastal flooding in places with the most likely areas to be affected by this the Hebrides, coastal Argyll and the Highlands.
I would imagine with such severe weather structural damage, ferry cancellations, flight cancellations, bridge closures and road closures are all highly likely. If you are planning on traveling tomorrow check your routes before leaving and be prepared.
I'll be keeping you updated here on stv.tv/weather and also via my twitter page @SeanBattySTV.
