THE Met Office has issued a yellow warning of gale force winds, which it looks as if Swindon and Wiltshire will narrowly avoid.

A spokesman said a swathe of gale force north to northwesterly winds, accompanied by bands of rain and snow, will move south across much of central and southern Britain on Friday evening and Saturday.

Wind gusts of 50-60 mph are likely in places, especially near coasts where 60-70 mph gusts are possible. In any one area, the strongest winds will last for only a few hours, clearing last from southeastern areas of England.

Additionally, some of the snow may settle, this more likely over high ground, for example in Northern Ireland and north Wales on Friday evening, with a few centimetres over hills.

There is a possibility of temporary, small amounts of settling snow even at low levels away from eastern coastal counties of England, though most areas should miss this.

On Saturday morning, ice will be an additional hazard, particularly for higher level routes.

The Met Office is advising motorists to be aware of the likelihood of some difficult driving conditions and possible travel disruption .

The chief forecaster said: "A major, but temporary, change of weather type will see the winds swing into a more northerly direction into the weekend, pulling down much colder air across the whole of Britain and western Europe, after what has been an exceptionally mild first half of November.

"Within this northerly flow, a marked trough is expected to develop and transfer south, bringing more widespread wintry conditions and gale force winds. In the area covered by this warning, it is the winds that are currently judged to be more likely to produce some disruption, particularly given the northerly direction but don't be surprised to see some sleet, snow or icy surfaces in places."

The latest weather warning is valid from 5pm today until 3pm on Saturday.