Brits have been warned to check forecasts before travelling
The UK is facing a widespread spell of unsettled weather in the New Year, as almost the entire country is covered by weather warnings.
Strong winds along with heavy snow and rain are expected to cause travel chaos over the New Year period, with the Met Office warning of travel disruption.
This will first apply to northern northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland on New Year’s Eve, before stormy conditions hit the rest of the UK on New Year’s Day.
Weather warnings for strong winds are already in place for Monday (December 30) from 11am to 6pm, covering Durham, Northumberland, Cumbria, and North Yorkshire.
Scotland is also expected to endure heavy snow and rain on Monday, while gale-force winds of 60mph are forecast for northern England.
Although things will be more settled in the south at first, stormy conditions of heavy rain and strong winds are set to cover over the New Year, all the way through to Thursday (January 2).
By Thursday, temperatures could plummet below freezing for many.
Parts of western Scotland could see as much as 100-140mm (3.9-5.5 inches) of rainfall on New Year’s Eve, whilst northern areas of the country could experience further snow.
Whilst almost all of England and Wales will endure wind and rain, it is though the rain will be particularly heavy in Wales, and the south of England could experience the strongest winds as 2025 begins.
On New Year’s Day, gusts of almost 70mph could hit the coasts and hills in the south and west in England and Wales.
The unsettled conditions will be caused by two areas of low pressure which will move across the UK.
Senior Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said: “Moving into New Year’s Eve, another system moves in from the Atlantic, again, Scotland bearing the brunt of this one with some further heavy rain and snow and strong winds.”
“The winds also picking up for Northern Ireland and northern England through New Year’s Eve as well, with rain arriving into that part of the world – basically quite an unsettled last day of the year for the northern half of the UK.”
“To the south, we will see some rain later on New Year’s Eve, but it shouldn’t cause too many problems, apart from if you’re out celebrating – you might get a bit damp.”
Those travelling over the New Year have been urged to check the latest forecasts. National Rail has already warned some lines will be slowed down because of the weather.
Once the unsettled conditions have passed, temperatures will drop for millions from Thursday into the weekend. Widespread frosts are forecast and although most places will be dry and sunny, northern areas could experience wintry showers, leading to icy conditions.
Andy Page, Chief Forecaster with the Met Office, said: “There is a very complicated weather forecast for the UK with snow, strong winds and heavy rain all feature for parts of the UK. Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week. With such a varied and complex weather situation there is potential for the pattern of warnings to shift and possibly escalate in some areas.
“With lots of celebrations and people on the move over the coming days, we are urging everyone to keep checking the forecast so they can update their plans.”
