Storm Malik is expected to bring strong gales and wet weather to the region this weekend.
A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued by the Met Office for Sunday across the north west, where gales are likely to cause "some travel disruption".
The storm is set to be the start of a period of unsettled conditions, with a number of weather systems coming from the west over the northern half of the UK into next week and the start of February.
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A Met Office spokesperson said the north west will be wetter than it has been over a relatively dry January.
Its long-range weather forecast for next week also suggests there will be a continued north/south divide, with downpours forecast for the north west of the country in particular.
Meteorologist Adrian McGivern says it'll be a fine and bright weekend for the south, but rain is forecast to settle late afternoon on Sunday across the north west of England and Scotland.
"The weather will turn more unsettled in the north west, which will impact the temperatures, it will feel quite cold under that rain and wind," he said in his forecast on Friday.
"The uncertainties over the development of the low to the north west of the UK become quite important for the second half of Sunday.
"As we go into Sunday evening, it looks like it will turn increasingly unsettled across the north, with heavy rain and strong winds."
Met Office long-range weather forecast
February 1 - February 10
Cloud and outbreaks of rain are likely in the north west initially on Tuesday, spreading across the UK throughout the day, with temperatures near normal.
The north/south divide will continue through Wednesday and Thursday, likely wet and windy in northern areas, and drier conditions in the south, with temperatures remaining mild. Wintry showers possible over high ground in Scotland.
Moving further into February, the largely settled and cloudy weather is likely to remain for most, with some rain and strong winds in the far northwest at times.
Overall, temperatures are likely to be near or milder than average through this period, although some brief colder than average spells are possible, likely to be restricted to northern areas.
