New Year's celebrations are being literally put on hold as a number of amber and yellow weather warnings are being issued for the UK beginning tonight (Monday, December 30) and continuing well into Thursday, January 2.
For the sake of public safety, the Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh have had last-minute cancellations announced.
High winds have forced the cancellation of all outdoor events scheduled for December 30 and 31, including the well-known street celebration, the midnight fireworks, and the Princes Street Gardens performance by the band Texas.
It is now recommended that travelers make advance plans and, if feasible, cut down on their travel time. There may be some disturbance if you choose to travel, especially on the highways and railroads.
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 Edinburgh's Hogmanay took the decision to cancel the candlelit torchlight procession on Sunday evening, an event considered the official launch of Scotland’s New Year festivities that usually attracts thousands of people.
The famous street party of the Scottish capital and the Princes Street Garden concert have also now been scrapped amid challenging conditions. Ticket holders will receive instructions about how to claim refunds.
Indoor events, such as the candlelit concert at St Giles Cathedral and the New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms, and those scheduled for New Year's Day are expected to go ahead as planned.
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.
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.
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.
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