As Hurricane Ophelia approached the UK on Friday night, forecasters were warning of heavy rain and gusts of up to 80mph, while some areas were set to enjoy a balmy 25C (77F).

The Met Office issued severe weather alerts, warning of potential power cuts, damage to buildings and disruption to transport and mobile phone signals.

The storm, which was losing force as it crossed the Atlantic, was forecast to reach the UK on Monday.

A yellow warning for rain was in place until Saturday morning across parts of northern England, with up to 50mm of rain over high ground and as much as 70mm possible over the most exposed hills.

Monday will see a spell of “very windy weather” sweeping across western parts of the UK, according to the Met Office, which has issued a yellow warning for wind early next week, with the potential for gusts of 80mph in coastal areas, particularly in Northern Ireland.

Forecasters said some damage to buildings, such as tiles being blown from roofs, was possible, and could lead to injuries and danger to life from flying debris, while coastal routes and seafronts could be affected by spray or large waves.

Meanwhile, the mercury was set to rise over the coming days, with temperatures of 25C predicted.

A Met Office spokeswoman said on Friday: “The east side of the country certainly [could benefit from] some warmer temperatures into the weekend and at the start of next week.”

She said temperatures in the south-east would be around 20C, rising to 22-23C on Sunday and “almost mid 20s” on Monday.

“Even up as far as Nottingham on Monday we will see quite widely again 20C/21C, but may well see 22C/23C,” she said.