The jet stream is gaining strength after recent weeks of a weaker pattern allowing high-pressure to reign and deliver sunny weather to large parts of Europe.

Now the jet stream is picking up again, and this is having consequences. On Wednesday and Thursday, it will become windier, with storm gusts, particularly in the UK and Ireland. The wind will also increase noticeably from Scandinavia across the north-western half of Germany to the French Atlantic coast.

In addition, the jet stream is exhibiting strong wave motion, bringing cold air far south. Temperatures are dropping significantly, with highs below 10 degrees in some places on Saturday.

In addition, the strong wind belt is directing numerous low-pressure systems towards Europe, meaning that a more changeable weather phase is on the horizon.