The Met Office has issued a yellow rain “danger to life” weather warning for parts of Britain ahead of the New Year, with heavy downpours lasting for up to 48 hours set to strike.
The yellow alert, which covers Scotland and a small part of nothern England, begins at midnight on December 30 and is in effect until 11.59pm on December 31, just in time for renditions of Auld Lang Syne to commence. While there is no weather warning in place for the South West, parts of the region could see rain fall.
“Heavy rain may bring significant disruption in the build up to New Year,” the weather office has warned, predicting that some areas will see as much as 140mm of rainfall. The transition period between 2024 and 2025 looks distinctly unsettled for some parts of the UK, says the Met Office.
It comes as high pressure which is currently dominating the UK forecast has brought largely overcast conditions, low cloud and fog for many parts of the UK, apart from northwest Scotland where a front has brought rain.
Neil Armstrong, a Met Office Chief Forecaster, said: “From Sunday we will start to see some heavy rain affecting northwestern parts of Scotland. After a brief respite, further rain and strong winds will be in place on Monday and Tuesday across Scotland, as another area of low-pressure approaches. This may be accompanied by some heavy snowfall in the mountains and perhaps to lower elevations.”
A Yellow warning for rain has been issued for Monday and Tuesday, with meteorologists suggesting that further alerts are likely as the forecast becomes clearer. The current complexity of the weather patterns means there’s low certainty regarding the trajectory of any low-pressure areas and their associated fronts, but confidence is expected to grow as the week progresses.
From New Year’s Day, disruptive weather including wind, rain, and snow could spread to southern parts of the UK, according to Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson. He remarked: “Later in the week, wintry showers are likely to be a feature of the forecast as a cold northerly flow becomes established.”
Neil Armstrong also commented on the situation, advising: “With such varied and potentially fast-moving weather conditions it is important for people to keep up to date with the forecast.”
In light of the upcoming conditions, the Met Office has warned: “Rain is likely to become persistent and occasionally heavy on Monday and possibly last through New Year’s Eve. This may bring some significant disruption and flooding in the build-up to New Year events, although there is still a lot of uncertainty in which areas are likely to be affected.”
They added that widespread rainfall of 50 to 70mm could occur over the two days, with some regions potentially receiving 100 to 140mm, especially western Scotland.
Snow could add to the hazards, particularly in northern Scotland and on higher ground, while strong winds on Tuesday might cause additional disruptions.
The forecaster has warned that flooding could result in delays and cancellations of public transport services. Roads may also be affected by the excessive water.
The swift flow of water could potentially damage some buildings, and power cuts are also a possibility.
SOUTH WEST WEATHER FORECAST
Today:
Another grey and dull day for most with hill fog and drizzle at times, especially over the hills. Occasional brighter spells may develop at times. Feeling chilly under the cloud. Maximum temperature 9 °C.
Tonight:
Murky to start this evening with some drizzle. Turning drier through the early hours with clearer spells developing though some rain by dawn. Winds staying light. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
Sunday:
Any low cloud and drizzle soon clearing to leave brighter spells into the afternoon and largely dry. Mild with a slight breeze. Maximum temperature 11 °C.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Largely dry but windy on Monday with sunny spells. Turning more unsettled over New Year’s Eve and into the new year with blustery showers or longer spells of rain.