UK travellers can expect weather chaos over New Year

Several amber and yellow weather warnings are being forecast for the UK, starting tonight (Monday 30 December) and going well into Thursday 2 January, which could put a literal dampener on New Year festivities. 

At the last minute, organisers cancelled Edinburgh’s Hogmanay candlelit torchlight procession that was due to take place on Sunday night to mark the beginning of the Scottish capital’s world-famous New Year celebrations.

Travellers are now being advised to plan ahead and limit journeys where possible. If you do travel, there could be some disruption, particularly on the roads and railways.

Expect ‘multi-hazard’ weather on New Year’s Day

The UK’s Met Office has issued several warnings throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This is due to a series of low-pressure systems moving across the UK that will bring unsettled weather.

“There is a very complicated weather forecast for the UK with snow, strong winds and heavy rain all feature for parts of the UK,” said Andy Page, chief forecaster with the Met Office. 

“Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week.”

Already, heavy rain and strong winds are affecting much of northern Scotland and the central belt, creating what the UK’s Met Office is describing as blizzard-like conditions. 

“With such a varied and complex weather situation, there is potential for the pattern of warnings to shift and possibly escalate in some areas,” added Page.

Organisers of the Edinburgh Hogmanay events took the decision to cancel the candlelit torchlight procession on Sunday evening at the last minute due to high winds along the route. Considered the official launch of Scotland’s New Year festivities, the procession usually attracts thousands of people.

So far, the famous street party of the Scottish capital is still expected to go ahead, but the organisers are facing challenging conditions preparing for the main event.

Exposed locations could expect gusts of up to 70mph, which could cause further disruption to New Year’s festivities.

“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,” said Page.

Snow has been forecast for New Year’s Day

Up to 10 to 20cm of snow accumulation is expected on higher ground over the region of Perthshire by tomorrow.

And on New Year’s Day, parts of Northern Ireland, southern Scotland and northern England may also be affected by snow as low pressure moves eastwards and encounters colder air.  

“Locally, there could be accumulations of 10-15cm of snowfall with larger amounts over the higher hills,” explained Tony Wisson, the Met Office’s deputy chief forecaster. He warned that with associated strong winds, drifting snow may also be seen.

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Likewise, flood warnings are being advised in England and Scotland.

Should you travel in the snow and ice?

When there’s heavy snow and ice, most countries recommend you avoid travelling where possible, and if driving, to wait until roads have been gritted.

For some, this may mean changing your New Year’s Eve plans.

If you are making a journey when snow is forecast, ensure you are well-prepared with waterproof and warm clothing and good footwear, food and water. 

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Advice for UK drivers this New Year

If you are driving in snow and ice, the Met Office recommends you drive more carefully, leave plenty of space between you and the driver in front, and slow down. It can take 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions, and black ice isn’t always visible. 

Use the highest gear to prevent wheel spin and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. If you do start to skid, ease gently off the accelerator rather than applying the brake. You should also carry a torch, spade, blanket, food, and water in your car.