The northern half of the UK is expected to face gale force winds over the Easter weekend, with forecasters warning of possible travel disruption and power cuts, stemming from a “significant cold plunge from Canada into the North Atlantic”.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for very strong winds in Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of north Wales and northern England from 6pm on Saturday until midday on Sunday.

Forecasters said gusts of 50-60mph are expected “fairly widely”, possibly rising to 60-70mph in exposed locations and as high as 80-90mph in western areas of Scotland.

People have been warned to expect delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport, with potential cancellations for some services.

Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges are likely, with a chance that some roads and bridges could close.

There is a risk of power cuts and disruption to other services such as mobile phone coverage, as well as a risk of damage to buildings, such as tiles being blown from roofs.

Forecasters have also warned of a “small chance” of injuries as a result of large waves and beach material being thrown on to sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: “A significant cold plunge from Canada into the north Atlantic will impact our weekend weather, strengthening the jet stream and spinning up a deep area of low pressure towards the north-west of the UK on Saturday night.

“This will lead to a spell of very strong winds later on Saturday and overnight into the morning of Easter Sunday.

“We have issued yellow warnings for wind for Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern parts of both England and Wales for Saturday night and into Sunday, when a spell of very strong winds could cause disruption.

“Winds should gradually ease through Easter Sunday as the area of low pressure clears to the North Sea.”

On Thursday it is expected to be initially dry, but rain and stronger winds will move into the northwest later, while Good Friday will see showery outbreaks of rain with some brighter interludes and conditions will be particularly blustery, especially in the vicinity of the Pennines.

Tom Morgan, the Met Office’s operational meteorologist, said while much of the UK will see “unsettled” weather by the end of the week, it does not necessarily point to a washout over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Separate figures published by the Met Office on Wednesday show March was provisionally one of the warmest on record in England and Wales.

Long periods of above average temperatures and prolonged sunshine helped Wales experience its joint fourth warmest March and England its joint sixth warmest since comparable data began in 1884.

Across the whole of the UK it was the joint 10th warmest March on record.

There was a “pronounced north-south split” in terms of rain last month, with southern England seeing 37% less than the long-term average, while northern England and Scotland experienced 14% and 19% above average rainfall respectively.