Autumn is storming in a bit early

AUTUMNAL storms are threatening to sweep in early with unseasonably strong winds and heavy rain expected to batter parts of the country over the coming days.

- By Sarah Barltrop

Families with children off school can make the most of today and tomorrow's dry and sunny spells before planning some indoors activities for the arrival of what the Met Office describes as "lively weather" early next week.

The weekend is expected to end with wet and windy conditions set to continue on Monday — though fortunately temperatures are forecast to stay warm.