There is also a yellow warning for rain on Friday from 6am until 6pm for southwest and northeast Scotland, with the forecaster warning travel disruption, power cuts, and flooding are "likely".
The Met Office said: "Friday's warnings highlight potential travel disruption, dangerous conditions near coasts and the possibility of power cuts for some.".
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: "The weather will be turning milder for much of the country from Thursday, but this transition heralds the start of some potentially more impactful wind and rain.
"While Thursday will see blustery winds and rain for many, it's Friday when we could see more impacts, with warnings issued for wind and rain.".
Yellow warnings have been issued for strong winds on Friday from 6am to 10am for eastern parts of Northern Ireland, and from 8am until 3pm for southwest Scotland and parts of Wales.
