November got off to a wet and windy start this morning as the tail end of storm swept in from France and gusts of up to 70mph threatened to disrupt ferry routes.

Southern areas of England such as Dover, were forecast to face blustery winds and heavy rain as part of the fall out from Storm Claudio.

The Met Office’s chief meteorologist, Neil Armstrong, said: “What it means for us in the UK is for some high winds to be possible along much of the southern coast of England.

“Some isolated and especially exposed coastal areas could see gusts in excess of 70mph, while much of the warning area will see gusts of between 50 and 60mph.”

The national weather service expects conditions to be similar throughout the week.

Deputy chief meteorologist Steven Keates said: “Within the warning area, gusts are expected of between 55 and 65mph.

“In addition to high winds in the warning area, many parts of the UK will experience strong and gusty winds, at least for a time, during Wednesday.”

The windy weather comes after the UK enjoyed above-average temperatures towards the end of October.

In some areas, the mercury reached the low 20s resulting in balmy conditions for this time of year.