WEATHER WARNING: Series of potent storms set to batter the UK into Christmas

The warmest weather will be felt across Wales and England where temperatures will average 3-6 C (5-10 F) above normal.

The warmth during the holiday week comes after the Met Office stated that the first half of December was the mildest since 1960 for Wales, South West England and South East England.

For the UK as a whole, it was the fourth warmest start to December with an average temperature of 7.1 C (44.8 F).

As the mild weather continues into Christmas, a series of potent storm systems will pass through the U.K. each with rain, localized downpours and strong winds.

The first storm of Christmas week will approach from the Atlantic Ocean on Monday with rain increasing in coverage and intensity throughout the day.

The center of the storm will pass just north of Scotland on Monday night and Tuesday and will bring continued rain and frequent gusts of 30-40 mph (50-65 km/h).

Coastal and exposed locations in Northern Ireland, northern England and Scotland can record winds over 50 mph (80 km/h).

Behind this storm, it will remain windy with showers across the entire UK on Wednesday.

The next storm will quickly approach by Christmas Eve, with another round of downpours and the potential for locally damaging winds into Christmas Day. Those traveling to their Christmas destinations should be on alert for slippery roads and hydroplaning.

The steadiest rain will gradually shift from northwest to southeast across the UK with this storm. Flash flooding will be a concern in parts of Wales and northwestern England following the rainfall earlier in the week.

Widespread winds over 40 mph (64 km/h) are expected with localized winds over 50 mph (80 km/h).

An end to the stormy weather pattern will not come with Christmas.

Next weekend will feature yet another storm that could produce downpours and strong winds. Anyone traveling home after the holiday could be impacted.

By Eric Leister, Meteorologist for AccuWeather.com