Storm Dave is set to hammer the UK this weekend, with the Met Office issuing its bank holiday weekend weather forecast. The newly named storm is expected to bring severe winds, heavy rain and blizzard conditions to parts of Britain from Saturday evening into Sunday as a rapidly deepening low-pressure system moves in from the Atlantic.

Forecasters have warned that Scotland, Northern Ireland, north Wales and parts of northern England are most at risk, with yellow weather warnings already in place. Wind gusts of 50-60mph are expected widely across northern Britain, while exposed locations could see speeds of 60-70mph. In parts of Scotland there is a small chance of gusts reaching as high as 80-90mph for a short period. Northern Ireland is expected to be hit first on Saturday afternoon, before the worst of the weather spreads across the rest of northern Britain later in the day. Heavy snow is also forecast across higher ground in northern Scotland, with 5-10cm expected in areas above 200 metres. Some places could see up to 20cm of snowfall, while strong winds are likely to cause blizzards and drifting snow.

A separate yellow warning for snow has been issued for northwest Scotland from 3pm on Saturday until 3am on Sunday.

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: “Storm Dave will form and rapidly deepen on Saturday as it approaches the UK from the west.

“By Saturday afternoon winds will strengthen significantly, with gusts of 60-70mph expected at times across parts of Scotland with the potential for gusts of 80-90mph in exposed coastal locations in Scotland.

“Gusts of 50-60mph are likely more widely in northern Britain.

“As well as strong winds, Storm Dave will also bring heavy snowfall over the hills in northern Scotland where up to 10-20cm of snow could accumulate.

“Along with the strong winds this will lead to blizzard conditions.”

Good Friday is expected to bring rain to most of the UK, with the heaviest outbreaks in western Scotland and the southeast staying relatively drier.

Further south, the Easter weekend as a whole is expected to be much calmer, with only scattered showers, breezy conditions and some sunny spells, particularly on Sunday afternoon and Easter Monday.

While northern areas face the worst impacts, much of southern England is expected to escape the worst of Storm Dave, with sunnier spells and only brief showers.

Easter Monday is forecast to be the driest day of the bank holiday weekend, with higher pressure bringing more settled conditions.

The Met Office has warned of possible travel disruption, fallen trees, power cuts and dangerous coastal conditions.

The weather outlook for further into next week remains unsettled, with more cloud and rain expected from the west.