New Year Weather Warnings: Snow, Wind, and Rain Forecast for UK
Rain, snow, and strong winds are set to batter the UK as 2025 kicks off, with severe weather warnings covering a large portion of the country from Monday to Thursday. An amber alert for rain is already in place for some parts of Scotland on New Year’s Eve, and stormy conditions are expected to extend to the rest of the UK. These weather warnings have the potential to disrupt New Year’s celebrations and events across the nation.
Amber Alert for Rain in Scotland
On Monday, the Met Office upgraded a rain weather warning for northern Scotland on December 31 to amber, indicating that flooding and disruption are likely until 17:00 GMT the following day. Forecasters anticipate that areas of low pressure will bring unsettled conditions throughout the UK on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, leading to a significant drop in temperatures as cold air moves in from the north.
Heavy Rainfall and Snow Forecast
Between Monday and New Year’s Eve, parts of western Scotland could experience as much as 100-140mm of rainfall, potentially leading to localized flooding. Some areas in northern Scotland may also see additional snowfall, with spells of rain expected across England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Particularly heavy rainfall is predicted for Wales, while strong winds are expected to impact the entire country, with the south of England likely to experience especially blustery conditions.
Yellow and Amber Weather Warnings
The current weather warnings in place include yellow warnings for wind in the Pennines and northern England, as well as for rain and snow across Scotland. An amber warning for rain is set for Tuesday, covering parts of Wales, the Midlands, and north-west England. Additionally, yellow warnings for snow and ice are expected in northern Scotland, while southern England is under a yellow wind warning on Wednesday. More widespread disruption is anticipated on New Year’s Day as another low-pressure system moves across the UK.
Severe Weather Impacts and Precautions
As the weather conditions worsen, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) has advised residents in the North West and Central Highlands to prepare for potential flooding. Attendees of Scotland’s Hogmanay celebration in Edinburgh are encouraged to dress appropriately for all weather conditions and stay updated on social media for any changes. Those traveling or with plans for the New Year are urged to stay informed about the latest forecasts.
Network Rail has announced that trains on certain lines will need to be slowed down due to the challenging weather conditions. These weather warnings follow disruptions caused by thick fog that affected hundreds of flights at major UK airports over the weekend, with Gatwick Airport still experiencing delays on Monday. Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff were also affected by poor visibility, impacting flight schedules.
Stay safe and stay informed as the UK braces for a turbulent start to the new year with a mix of rain, snow, and strong winds forecasted across the country.