A warning on possible hurricane force winds has been issued by weathermen.

The Bermuda Weather Service predicted cold and windy conditions were expected to continue through most of this week, with the possibility of hurricane-force gusts on Thursday night.

Forecasters said that a powerful low pressure system was expected to approach Bermuda later this week and would bring “very volatile conditions”.

The advanced forecast for Thursday warned of rapidly strengthening winds reaching gale force and gusts of “storm force to hurricane force”.

The 6am marine forecast said sustained winds between 50 and 50 knots with gusts from 55 to 70 knots could be expected from Thursday afternoon onwards.

Widespread showers were also predicted, along with 4ft to 6ft seas inside the reef and 20ft to 30ft seas outside the reefs.

Earlier on Thursday, southwesterly 18 to 24 knots winds were expected to rapidly increase 20 to 30 knots during the morning, then 30 to 40 knots with gusts from 45 to 55 knots by midday.

After the strongest part of the storm, winds are expected to move to the northwest late on Thursday night and ease to 30 to 40 knots overnight.

Gary Hall, a BWS meteorologist, said that a high pressure system in the North Atlantic had allowed a “pool of polar air” to move towards the island, which has caused the recent cold temperatures.

He added: “Obviously, this air mass is modified greatly as it travels south over the open seas, though we are clearly feeling the effects of this cold outbreak to our north.”

The BWS said that the island would face cool and blustery winds today, but conditions would settle tonight.

But forecasters said a front was expected to bring more wet and windy weather tomorrow and into Wednesday before the low pressure system brought worsened conditions and rough seas on Thursday.

For further updates, check the Bermuda Weather Service