The United Kingdom is facing a week of significant weather disruptions as a mix of snow, rain, and high winds is forecast to sweep across the nation, impacting travel and daily life from New Year's Eve through the following week. The Met Office has issued numerous weather warnings, urging residents to stay informed and adjust their plans accordingly.
Multiple weather warnings are in effect across the UK starting Monday, with alerts covering nearly the entire country. Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page described the forecast as “complicated,” emphasizing the potential for shifting and escalating warnings throughout the week.
Strong winds are expected to be the first to arrive, with gusts of up to 60 mph anticipated to hit areas including Durham and North Yorkshire on Monday. The Met Office has also highlighted the potential for gusts reaching 70 mph in parts of England and Northern Ireland on New Year's Eve, which are likely to disrupt road, rail, air, and ferry services.
Additionally, heavy rain and snow are expected to cause significant disruption, particularly in northern Scotland, where rainfall could reach 140mm over two days. Higher ground may experience up to 20 cm of snow, with strong winds leading to blizzard-like conditions and potentially impacting power lines. Orkney and Shetland are facing persistent snow warnings from Tuesday morning.
The New Year will start with further weather challenges. Snow, wind, and rain warnings have been issued for January 1st. Some areas, including the East Midlands and parts of northern England, may see up to 25cm of snow, while winds of up to 75mph are possible in coastal and hilly regions.
Wales can expect heavy rainfall on New Year's Day that may cause road transport delays, power cuts, and flooding. The severe weather comes after days of disruption caused by dense fog at several UK airports, including Gatwick, which continues to experience delays. The Met Office advises residents to secure loose items around their homes and stay updated on travel conditions.
