A SHORT, sharp spell of unseasonably wet and windy weather is set to strike the Helensburgh and Lomond from Friday afternoon onwards.

In stark contrast to the warm and sunny weather enjoyed in the area, and across Scotland, for much of the spring, south-westerly winds are being forecast for the Helensburgh area from around 1pm on May 22, gusting to 40-50mph at times.

And the winds are set to be joined by persistent heavy showers from the early hours of the morning on Saturday, lasting until early evening.

A weather warning has been issued by the Met Office covering the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the north-west coast of Scotland from 3pm on Friday until 5am on Saturday.

LATEST HEADLINES: Stay away from Loch Lomond this weekend, says National Park boss

The forecaster says that some travel disruption is likely in the areas affected by the warning, and that coastal routes and seafronts are likely to be affected by spray and/or large waves.

The disruptive weather – which will also affect Northern Ireland – is the tail end of Tropical Storm Arthur, which began to form off the Florida coast last Saturday.

For the latest Helensburgh and Lomond weather forecast, click here.

READ MORE: Check out all the latest Helensburgh and Lomond news headlines here