The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant shift in weather, with snowfall and a sharp drop in temperatures expected, particularly impacting Scotland. A yellow warning for rain and snow has been issued by the Met Office, covering Monday and Tuesday, potentially disrupting travel and New Year's Eve celebrations.
Following recent travel chaos due to severe fog, a new weather front threatens to bring further difficulties. The Met Office’s warning encompasses large parts of Scotland, including major cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen, forecasting heavy snowfall, especially in higher altitudes.
Additionally, the warning anticipates significant rainfall, with totals ranging from 50 to 140mm in some areas over the two-day period. The combination of snow and heavy rain, coupled with strong winds, could lead to considerable disruption across the country.
Furthermore, a specific warning for "persistent snow" has been issued for the Orkney and Shetland Islands on New Year's Eve, with up to 20cm of snow expected in the most severely affected regions. This will likely result in longer road journey times and difficult driving conditions.
As milder air pushes into the region, the snow may turn to rain, potentially contributing to flooding. The Met Office cautions that spray and flooding may lead to road closures and delays to public transportation, and has warned of the possibility of dangerous fast-flowing floodwater.
The unsettled weather conditions, with the potential for disruptive wind, rain, and snow, are predicted to move southward from New Year's Day. While the North East may see some clearer skies, much of the UK is expected to remain cloudy and wet.
Temperatures are expected to be slightly cooler over the weekend, with highs of 9C to 11C. The Met Office advises that New Year's Eve may bring wet and windy conditions, especially across Scotland.
