Winds of up to 70mph could hit a large part of England and Wales this week, the Met Office has warned.

A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued across the south of England and much of Wales for Friday up until midday. The forecaster warned that “a period of strong winds may lead to damaging gusts and transport disruption.”

Strong west to northwesterly winds are expected to spread across the area with gusts of 50-60 mph possible. Some coastal or exposed areas could see 70 mph or more, the Met Office warned, adding there remained uncertainty where the strongest winds will be.

Periods of heavy rain are expected to make travel more difficult, the forecaster said as it raised a “slight chance” of damage to buildings, danger to life from flying debris, power cuts and transport issues. Roads and bridges could close, and journey times or cancellations are expected as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected.

Wales, parts of Herefordshire, the south west and south east of England are all under the weather warning, which is expected to ease late morning into the early afternoon leaving a breeze.

It comes as the Met Office predicted this week would bring more changeable weather despite drought persisting across the vast majority of England after a record-breakingly hot and dry summer.

Yorkshire joined much of England under drought status, the Environment Agency declared last week, along with central, southern and eastern England. The north east and north west remain in prolonged dry weather.

Met Office chief forecaster, Chris Bulmer said: “For many, this weekend brings a window of dry and bright autumn weather, with some sunny spells and light winds as high pressure stays dominant. Overnight may feel particularly chilly, and those in eastern and southeastern areas should watch out for some heavy showers.

“There are signs that high pressure will loosen its grip through next week, allowing for lower pressure and Atlantic weather systems to have more influence by the end of the week, increasing the chance of spells of wet and windy weather for all areas.

“There is still some uncertainty in the likely change in weather patterns through next week with details expected to become clearer over the coming days.”

Rain or showers likely to affect parts of England and Wales on Monday and Tuesday as the influence of low-pressure increases, with southern areas likely to see some rain. Many places still remain largely dry but it is unclear where rain will develop as well as how widespread or heavy it will be.

Cloud and rain spreading north and west across the UK, replacing early clear spells in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Some sunshine develops in the south, but further cloud and patchy rain reach eastern areas later. Heavy showers in the southwest.

Cloud and patchy rain in the east spreads into central areas, with more persistent rain developing in southern England later. Elsewhere mostly dry with clear spells and local grass frost.

Cloudy with outbreaks of rain across much of the UK. Drier in the southwest with some brighter spells. Winds strengthening from the west, and feeling chilly.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Unsettled conditions continue with showers and longer spells of rain affecting all areas. Gales and heavy rain possible Thursday and Friday. Feeling chilly with temperatures around average.