Edinburgh Hogmanay cancelled as UK New Year’s Eve parties hit by wind, rain, and snow weather warnings: live
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations have been cancelled as snow, rain and heavy winds strike the UK.
Do not travel warnings have been issued with rivers feared to burst their banks in other areas of Scotland before storms sweep southward over New Year’s Eve.
Edinburgh’s outdoor new year events, including the street party and fireworks display, have been scrapped as a result of “extreme weather”. The cancellations come after Blackpool Council also made the “tough decision” to cancel its New Year’s fireworks due to “high winds”.
At midnight, a projection show will be beamed onto Blackpool Tower to mark the start of 2025 instead.
Meanwhile, London’s City Hall is monitoring the weather forecast ahead of the capital’s sold-out fireworks display, with gusts of wind expected to reach over 40mph in the approach to midnight.
Forecasters are also warning travellers to expect disruption, while chaos continues at Gatwick Airport for a fourth day as thick fog causes flight cancellations and delays during the busy holiday period.
Key Points
31 flood warnings in place across Scottish Highlands
Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations cancelled due to ‘extreme weather'
Blackpool New Years Eve fireworks cancelled due to ‘high winds’
Heavy rain closes rail lines across Scotland
A66 closed to ‘vulnerable vehicles’
08:29 , Barney Davis
The A66 is closed to “high sided and vulnerable vehicles” because of strong winds, National Highways says.
The closure affects the section between the M6 in Penrith, Cumbria and the A1M Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire.
Motorists are advised to plan ahead and “consider alternate routes such as the A69”.
Heavy rain closes rail lines across Scotland
08:17 , Barney Davis
Train operator ScotRail said its services are being disrupted by speed restrictions on many routes because of “very heavy rainfall”.
The routes affected are between: Inverness and Perth; Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh; Inverness and Wick; Perth and Stirling; Edinburgh and Inverness; Glasgow Queen Street, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth; and Glasgow Queen Street, Oban and Mallaig.
Network Rail said it has closed the Highland Main Line at Kingussie because of “more extreme rainfall overnight”.
It also closed the line north of Inverness, between Muir of Ord and Dingwall.
31 flood warnings in place across Scottish Highlands
08:03 , Barney Davis
Due to further heavy rain throughout Monday night and Tuesday morning, river levels are rising as Scotland puts 31 areas under flood warnings.
River levels are expected to rise into Tuesday, particularly in the areas of Speyside, the Great Glen, and Tayside, where impacts are most likely to occur.
Three severe warnings have been downgraded as of Tuesday morning.
Where snow could hit UK on New Year’s Day as temperatures drop to -2C
08:00 , Barney Davis
Britons are bracing for snowfall and a sharp drop in temperatures, which are set to fall to -2C on New Year’s Eve in some places.
Where snow could hit UK on New Year’s Day as temperatures drop to -2C
Blackpool NYE fireworks cancelled
07:44 , Barney Davis
A planned fireworks display in Blackpool has been cancelled because of expected high winds, organisers said.
An update on the Visit Blackpool website said: “Due to the forecast of high winds tomorrow evening, we have had to make the tough decision to cancel the fireworks display this year.
“The rest of the New Year’s Eve Family Party will continue as planned, with plenty of fun activities for all the family, including the LeylandHosen Bierkeller Band, who will be performing during the afternoon.
“There will also be children’s rides, themed food and drink cabins, and a free skating rink as part of the festive village. The New Year’s Eve projection show will still go ahead as planned at 6pm.”
At midnight, the projection show that will feature in the family party will be shown on The Blackpool Tower to mark the start of 2025.
2024 ends with travel chaos on trains, planes and ferries amid bad weather
07:00 , Tara Cobham
After hundreds of flights were cancelled to, from and within the UK because of fog over the weekend, bad weather is threatening New Year travel plans for millions of passengers. Large scale rail engineering projects will keep some lines closed, and train strikes resume on New Year’s Eve – halting most intercity trains on the West Coast main line.
Almost 500 flights were cancelled over the past three days due to thick fog. London Gatwick airport alone saw almost 300 arrivals and departures grounded between Friday and Sunday, with two dozen more today.
Across at London Heathrow, around 100 flights were cancelled, and London City airport grounded dozens more. There were also many diversions to airports such as Birmingham and Southampton.
The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder reports:
2024 ends with travel chaos on trains, planes and ferries
Weather warnings stetch into new year with snow forecast for parts of UK
06:00 , Tara Cobham
Weather warnings also stretch into 2025, with snow forecast for parts of the UK.
The Met Office has issued a yellow alert of snow and ice in the north of mainland Scotland between the start of 1 January until 9am on 2 January.
Met Office predicts ‘wet and windy’ weather going into 2025
05:00 , Tara Cobham
The Met Office has predicted the weather will be “wet and windy” as we go into the new year.
The forecaster said it is then set to turn drier but colder by the end of the week.
It's going to be wet and windy as we go into 2025, turning drier but colder in the new year for the end of the week.
Find out what this week's weather has in store for us in our Week Ahead forecast with Alex 👇 pic.twitter.com/M2O6Vs0yHK— Met Office (@metoffice) December 30, 2024
Swinney issues safety warning over weather
04:00 , Tara Cobham
Scottish Government officials will continue to monitor the situation and work with frontline agencies to mitigate the impact of the weather.
In a post on social media, First Minister John Swinney warned: “Please follow all advice and stay safe.”
This is a significant update of the weather warning for the Grampian area to Amber level. Please follow all advice and stay safe. https://t.co/0Dxq0xwUaU
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) December 30, 2024
SGORR activated and travellers advised to plan ahead
03:00 , Tara Cobham
The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGORR) has been activated in response to the weather warnings and authorities have advised people to plan ahead if travelling over the New Year period.
Douglas Cairns, Traffic Scotland operator manager at Transport Scotland, said: “The severe weather across much of Scotland this week will, unfortunately, cause some disruption across the transport network.
“Road, rail, air and ferry services are all likely to be affected by the conditions, with localised flooding, longer journey times and cancellations possible, as well as potential restrictions on bridges.
“The network is also expected to be busy as people travel to celebrate New Year with friends and family.
“We are asking travellers to plan their journeys before setting off to ensure they reach their destination and celebrations in good time.
“If you’re driving, make sure your vehicle is winter ready and follow any Police Scotland travel advice that may be in place.
“Traffic Scotland provides up-to-date travel information on the trunk road network through its website, X account and internet radio broadcasts.
“The same advice goes for other modes of transport – if you are planning to travel by rail, air or ferry, stay in contact with your operator for the latest service information.”
Sepa warns north west and central Highlands to prepare for impact of flooding
02:00 , Tara Cobham
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) is warning communities in the north west and central Highlands to prepare for the impact of flooding in the run-up to Hogmanay.
Pascal Lardet, Sepa flood duty manager, said: “Some very high river levels are forecast for Monday and Tuesday, in particular the Spey and other rivers in the Great Glen and Easter Ross area.
“Levels on the River Tay and other rivers across the Central Highlands will also be high.
“We’re likely to see river and surface water flooding impacts across these areas, resulting in disruptions to transport and to communities.
“Flooding of property, infrastructure, roads and the rail network are all possible. We urge everyone to be prepared and be aware.
“If you live or work in the affected areas, or are planning to visit, think about any steps you need to take now to be prepared for flooding impacts – and consider whether your journey is necessary.”
Full details of weather warnings in place for Scotland after Hogmanay celebrations cancelled
01:00 , Tara Cobham
A weather warning of heavy rain has been upgraded to amber for part of northern Scotland on Hogmanay, as the street party and fireworks at Edinburgh’s New Year’s Eve celebrations were cancelled.
The Met Office alert, which warns that flooding and travel disruption is likely, is in force from midnight until 5pm on Tuesday in Moray and the Highlands.
A yellow weather warning of heavy rain and snow is currently in force across most of Scotland on Monday and Tuesday, covering central Scotland, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, the Highlands and Western Isles, Edinburgh, West Lothian and Strathclyde including most of Argyll and Bute.
Forecasters predict that heavy rain will become persistent and widespread in Scotland over the two days, with 50-70mm of rain possible in many areas while some places may see 100-140mm.
They warned flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and travel disruption, while fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.
A separate warning of “persistent snow” has been issued for Orkney and Shetland between 5am and midnight on Hogmanay.
Meanwhile, a yellow warning of wind will be in force for the area south of Lochgilphead in the west and Dundee in the east between 7am and 11pm on December 31, stretching down into north-east England.
The Met Office said that gusts of 50-60 mph are expected, perhaps reaching 70 mph in a few exposed areas.
Weather warnings also stretch into 2025 with a yellow alert of snow and ice in the north of mainland Scotland between the start of 1 January until 9am on 2 January.
Full statement released by organisers on cancellation of Hogmanay outdoor events
00:00 , Tara Cobham
In a statement issued on Monday, a spokesperson for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay said: “Due to ongoing high winds and inclement weather in Edinburgh city centre, we regret to announce that outdoor events scheduled for Monday and December 31 are unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety.
“The cancellation includes tonight’s Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens, and on December 31, the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens, and the midnight fireworks from Edinburgh Castle.
“We have been unable to continue with preparations and necessary set-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to extreme weather and forecast conditions. Therefore, for safety reasons we, along with our event partners, have taken the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor events.
“We know that this will be hugely disappointing to all hoping to celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh and that people travel from around the world to be here. Customer Service from point of purchase will be in touch with ticket-holders directly with further instructions regarding refunds in due course.
“All indoor events are taking place as planned, including Monday’s performance of Swamplesque at Assembly Hall, the sold-out Idlewild concert at the Assembly Rooms, and on the December 31, the Bairns New Year Revels and New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms, and sold-out Candlelit Concert at St Giles’ Cathedral.
“We also continue to look forward to the packed First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programme of events on New Year’s Day – a series of free and ticketed indoor music gigs across the city centre, Leith and Portobello.”
Full story: Ferries and trains disrupted as snow, wind and rain warnings in force
Monday 30 December 2024 23:00 , Tara Cobham
Ferries and trains have been disrupted as snow, rain and wind warnings are in force and are expected to cause further travel issues on New Year’s Eve.
Almost every part of the country is covered by at least one of the multiple weather warnings that have been issued by the Met Office between Monday and Wednesday.
Scotland is being hit first by “fairly persistent rain” and snow, with 50-70mm of rainfall expected widely, 100-140mm in some locations, and up to 20cm of snow in places, with a warning in place until midnight on New Year’s Eve, the forecaster said.
Read the full story here:
Ferries and trains disrupted as snow, wind and rain warnings in force
Mapped: All weather warnings issued by Met Office for New Year’s Eve
Monday 30 December 2024 22:00 , Tara Cobham
Full story: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations cancelled over ‘extreme weather’
Monday 30 December 2024 21:00 , Tara Cobham
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations have been cancelled because of “extreme weather”.
Outdoor events planned for the city’s new year celebrations on Monday and Tuesday, including the street party and fireworks display, have had to be scrapped, organisers announced on Monday afternoon.
The “difficult” decision follows Met Office yellow weather warnings for most of Scotland on Monday and Tuesday, and an amber warning for northern Scotland.
Read the full story here:
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations cancelled over ‘extreme weather’
Severe flood warnings as heavy rain brings ‘danger to life’ in northern Scotland
Monday 30 December 2024 20:05 , Tara Cobham
A rare severe flood warning of “danger to life” has been issued for part of northern Scotland on Hogmanay, as a heavy downpour of rain is expected to burst riverbanks.
Aviemore and nearby areas in the Highlands are bracing for extensive river flooding on Tuesday morning after a night of continuous rain.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) is warning communities in the north west and central Highlands to prepare for the impact of flooding in the run-up to Hogmanay.
A yellow weather warning of heavy rain and snow is currently in force across most of Scotland on Monday and Tuesday, while an amber warning for rain is in place for an area around Inverness on Tuesday.
On Monday evening, Sepa warned people around Aviemore should act immediately, saying: “There is a danger to life. If you are in an affected area and are in danger and need assistance, call emergency responders.
“Due to persistent and heavy rainfall, river levels on the River Spey will rise throughout Monday night and into Tuesday morning causing serious flooding.
“Extensive flooding to properties and businesses is expected in and around Aviemore.”
Watch: Foggy weather continues to disrupt flights in UK
Monday 30 December 2024 20:00 , Tara Cobham
‘Complicated’ in coming days forecast for the UK
Monday 30 December 2024 19:00 , Alex Croft
Andy Page, a chief forecaster with the Met Office, says the forecast for the UK in the coming days is “very complicated”.
“There is a very complicated weather forecast for the UK with snow, strong winds and heavy rain all feature for parts of the UK. Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week,” he said.
“With such a varied and complex weather situation there is potential for the pattern of warnings to shift and possibly escalate in some areas. 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.”
Monday night’s weather warnings
Monday 30 December 2024 18:46 , Alex Croft
There are two weather warnings in place for Monday night.
A yellow wind warning for wind covers a patch of central northern England. “Westerly winds will be strong and gust at times. Gusts of 50-60mph are possible over high ground,” the Met Office says.
A yellow rain and snow warning covering most of Scotland will be in place until 23:59 on Tuesday, which is expected to bring “bring significant disruption in the build up to New Year”.
Second time Blackpool fireworks cancelled in three years
Monday 30 December 2024 18:31 , Alex Croft
The cancellation of Blackpool’s fireworks display to celebrate New Years Eve is the second time since 2021 the festivites have been called off.
Three years ago, the fireworks were cancelled due to the risks of blustery winds.
A spokesperson for VisitBlackpool told the BBC:
“Unfortunately, as the fireworks were being fired from the beach, it isn’t possible to move the time of the display to later this evening because of tidal conditions.
“We have therefore taken the decision to cancel now to give people the earliest opportunity to plan their day.”
How will things look at the turn of the year?
Monday 30 December 2024 18:17 , Alex Croft
As Auld Lang Syne rings out across the UK at the turn of the year, let’s take a look at where the weather may be suitabe for some festive fireworks.
The first graph shows the type and the amount of rain and snow. The grey areas in the north are where snow is expected - the darker the grey, the more snow forecast.
The second graph shows the expected temperatures, with relatively mild predictions for much of the south and chillier temperatures up north.
Met Office graphic reveals rain and snow forecast for Scotland
Monday 30 December 2024 18:01 , Alex Croft
Further rain and snow to affect Scotland this evening ⚠️
Cloudy elsewhere, though fairly mild ☁️ pic.twitter.com/Wx8VJIqq6t— Met Office (@metoffice) December 30, 2024
Snow forecast in full
Monday 30 December 2024 17:46 , Alex Croft
Snow has been forecast in areas of northern Scotland - but what exactly can residents expect?
Until 23:59 on Tuesday, a yellow rain and snow warning will cover the majority of Scotland, barring southern parts. At 5am on Tuesday morning, a yellow warning for snow will cover the Orkney islands.
The Met says heavy rain will be “persistent and widespread” with totals of 50 to 70mm possible over two days. Some areas in western Scotland may see 100 to 140mm of rain.
North and east of Perthshire will likely see snow, with 10-20cm in areas above 150 metres, according to the forecaster. The Met Office says: “As milder air pushes in, snow will turn back to rain, and any rapid snow melt will contribute to flooding in places.
“Strong winds may exacerbate impacts, particularly across the areas of Scotland affected by snow. Blizzard conditions are possible, especially over high ground and across much of Sutherland and Caithness. Powerline icing is possible where blizzard conditions occur.”
At 12am on Wednesday 1 January, it will be replaced by a yellow snow and ice warning covering the Highlands and northern areas of Scotland. “Rain turning to snow is likely to lead to some travel disruption and difficult driving conditions on New Years Day,” the Met Office says.
The snow and ice warning will remain in place until 9am on Thursday.
ICYMI: Amber rain warning issued in Scottish Highlands
Monday 30 December 2024 17:30 , Alex Croft
An amber weather warning for rain has been issued in the Scottish Highlands.
Stretching from Inverness down to Fort William, the warning will be in place from 12am until 5pm on Tuesday 31 December.
The Met Office says: “After a brief lull during Monday afternoon, another period of heavy rain is expected to develop during Monday night and persist through Tuesday morning before turning to showers on Tuesday afternoon, giving another 50-70mm on top of what has already fallen.
“This is likely to lead to significant travel disruption and may result in some flooding of properties.
“Yellow rain and snow warnings will continue to be in force after the expiry of this warning.”
Fast flowing floodwater, power cuts and travel disruption are “likely” the forecaster says.
New Year’s Eve weather: How your region will be affected as Met Office issues nationwide warnings
Monday 30 December 2024 17:00 , Alex Croft
The UK is set to be hit by snow, rain and heavy winds over the New Year with several weather warnings being issued by the Met Office.
Covering Monday 30 December to Thursday 2 January, the warnings see all parts of the UK affected at some point in the week. The wet and windy weather will begin in Scotland and northern regions before moving downwards overnight on New Year’s Eve and into New Year’s Day.
Warnings have been issued for heavy rain, winds, snow and ice. Most are yellow warnings, where extra precaution should be taken, but one amber warning has been issued on Tuesday which poses a flood threat.
Albert Toth reports:
New Year’s Eve weather: How your region will be affected amid nationwide warnings
London New Year’s Eve fireworks threatened by 41mph winds
Monday 30 December 2024 16:29 , Alex Croft
London City Hall is monitoring the weather forecast ahead of Tuesday’s sold-out New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
Wind speeds are expected to reach up to 41mph in the hours leading up to midnight, before a yellow weather warning for wind is introduced for the capital at 7am on Wednesday morning.
London lawmakers will continue monitoring the weather to ensure it is safe to go ahead, the BBC reported. It comes after New Year’s festivities in Edinburgh and Blackpool were both cancelled.
Mayor Sadiq Khan also issued a warning to Londoners about the risk of scammers selling fake tickets to the fireworks.
He said on X: “Ticketmaster is the official event partner and the only place to buy resale tickets - beware of ticket scams. If you have tickets for the night, remember to bring ID.”
Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations cancelled
Monday 30 December 2024 15:58 , Alex Croft
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations have been cancelled due to “extreme weather”.
A statement issued by organisers said that “high winds and inclement weather” has forced the city to cancel the event for the sake of “public safety”.
The Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens, the Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens and the Midnight Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle have all been cancelled.
Organisers were “unable to continue with preparations and necessary set-up” for the celebrations, and therefore took the “difficult decision to cancel all outdoor events”.
All indoor events have not been cancelled.
Flight chaos continues after hundreds of weekend cancellations
Monday 30 December 2024 15:24 , Simon Calder | Travel Correspondent
After a weekend in which an estimated 350 flights were cancelled at key London airports, more departures are being grounded ahead of New Year’s Eve because of three days of fog in southeast England.
At London Gatwick, short-notice cancellations continued long into Sunday night, with easyJet in particular grounding dozens of flights as passengers waited in the terminals.
British Airways, Vueling and Wizz Air also left thousands of people stranded on Sunday.
Many of the passengers who made it back to Gatwick were severely delayed, with some easyJet, BA and Tui flights arriving four hours or more behind schedule.
Flight chaos continues after hundreds of weekend cancellations
Luton and Stansted report zero cancellations due to fog at their airports
Monday 30 December 2024 14:57 , Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent
London’s two busiest airports, Heathrow and Gatwick, between them experienced hundreds of flight cancellations due to fog between Friday 27 and Sunday 29 December. London City was also hard hit, with proportionately more cancellations and diversions than any other airport.
But Stansted and Luton, both busy single-runway airports, report no cancellations due to fog at in their areas.
StanstedOn Saturday, a total of 12 flights were cancelled to and from the Essex airport. Two were due to a crew hours issue. Two happened because of bad weather in Chambery in the French Alps. Three were made in order not to infringe the curfew at Amsterdam airport. One cancellation was triggered by an earlier divert.
The highest number, four, was due to Krakow airport being effectively closed for the whole weekend because of thick fog.
LutonOf four weekend cancellations at the Bedfordshire airport, two were caused by bad weather at Krakow. Another was grounded due to the airport curfew at Lyon, and a Belfast flight was cancelled due to the crew going out of hours.
ICYMI: Cancellations continue at Gatwick
Monday 30 December 2024 14:31 , Alex Croft
After three days of fog led to the cancellation of around 200 flights to and from London Gatwick, more departures and arrivals have been grounded at the Sussex airport.
Planes and pilots are out of position, with flight time limitations also coming into play.
So far 27 more flights have been grounded at Gatwick, affecting up to 5,000 passengers. The biggest airline at the Sussex airport, easyJet, has grounded 17 flights. Inbound services from Aberdeen, Inverness and Belfast City were axed.
Departures on easyJet to Nice, Venice, Murcia, Milan, Naples, Innsbruck and Rennes have also been cancelled.
Passengers were told: “We were affected by a three-day disruption caused by low-visibility weather conditions in London Gatwick.
“This has meant that air traffic control has had to limit the number of aircraft that can arrive and depart, which has sadly led to delays and cancellations today. The safety of you and our crew is our highest priority, and we thank you for your understanding.”
British Airways has grounded flights from Gatwick to Algiers, Jersey (two services), Seville and Verona.
Weather warnings for December 30-31
Monday 30 December 2024 14:11 , Alex Croft
‘Complicated’ in coming days forecast for the UK
Monday 30 December 2024 13:50 , Alex Croft
Andy Page, a chief forecaster with the Met Office, says the forecast for the UK in the coming days is “very complicated”.
“There is a very complicated weather forecast for the UK with snow, strong winds and heavy rain all feature for parts of the UK. Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week,” he said.
“With such a varied and complex weather situation there is potential for the pattern of warnings to shift and possibly escalate in some areas. 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.”
Second time Blackpool fireworks cancelled in three years
Monday 30 December 2024 13:26 , Alex Croft
The cancellation of Blackpool’s fireworks display to celebrate New Years Eve is the second time since 2021 the festivites have been called off.
Three years ago, the fireworks were cancelled due to the risks of blustery winds.
A spokesperson for VisitBlackpool told the BBC:
"Unfortunately, as the fireworks were being fired from the beach, it isn't possible to move the time of the display to later this evening because of tidal conditions.
"We have therefore taken the decision to cancel now to give people the earliest opportunity to plan their day."
New Years Eve fireworks cancelled in Blackpool
Monday 30 December 2024 13:23 , Alex Croft
Blackpool’s New Years Eve fireworks celebrations have been cancelled due to high winds.
The city lies just outside the Met Office’s yellow weather warning for wind on Tuesday evening.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Due to the forecast of high winds tomorrow evening we have had to make the tough decision to cancel the fireworks display this year.
“The rest of the New Year's Eve Family Party will continue as planned.”
Snow forecast in full
Monday 30 December 2024 13:09 , Alex Croft
Snow has been forecast in areas of northern Scotland - but what exactly can residents expect?
Until 23:59 on Tuesday, a yellow rain and snow warning will cover the majority of Scotland, barring southern parts. At 5am on Tuesday morning, a yellow warning for snow will cover the Orkney islands.
The Met says heavy rain will be “persistent and widespread” with totals of 50 to 70mm possible over two days. Some areas in western Scotland may see 100 to 140mm of rain.
North and east of Perthshire will likely see snow, with 10-20cm in areas above 150 metres, according to the forecaster. The Met Office says: “As milder air pushes in, snow will turn back to rain, and any rapid snow melt will contribute to flooding in places.
“Strong winds may exacerbate impacts, particularly across the areas of Scotland affected by snow. Blizzard conditions are possible, especially over high ground and across much of Sutherland and Caithness. Powerline icing is possible where blizzard conditions occur.”
At 12am on Wednesday 1 January, it will be replaced by a yellow snow and ice warning covering the Highlands and northern areas of Scotland. “Rain turning to snow is likely to lead to some travel disruption and difficult driving conditions on New Years Day,” the Met Office says.
The snow and ice warning will remain in place until 9am on Thursday.
How will things look at the turn of the year?
Monday 30 December 2024 12:30 , Alex Croft
As Auld Lang Syne rings out across the UK at the turn of the year, let’s take a look at where the weather may be suitabe for some festive fireworks.
The first graph shows the type and the amount of rain and snow. The grey areas in the north are where snow is expected - the darker the grey, the more snow forecast.
The second graph shows the expected temperatures, with relatively mild predictions for much of the south and chillier temperatures up north.
Met Office graphic shows snow movement across northern Scotland
Monday 30 December 2024 12:02 , Alex Croft
⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️
Rain across parts of Scotland
Tuesday 0000 – 1700
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfS950
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/c1lyE3TH1x— Met Office (@metoffice) December 30, 2024
Amber rain warning issued in Scottish Highlands
Monday 30 December 2024 11:34 , Alex Croft
An amber weather warning for rain has been issued in the Scottish Highlands.
Stretching from Inverness down to Fort William, the warning will be in place from 12am until 5pm on Tuesday 31 December.
The Met Office says: “After a brief lull during Monday afternoon, another period of heavy rain is expected to develop during Monday night and persist through Tuesday morning before turning to showers on Tuesday afternoon, giving another 50-70mm on top of what has already fallen.
“This is likely to lead to significant travel disruption and may result in some flooding of properties.
“Yellow rain and snow warnings will continue to be in force after the expiry of this warning.”
Fast flowing floodwater, power cuts and travel disruption are “likely” the forecaster says.
Strong winds see major road closed to certain vehicles
Monday 30 December 2024 11:10 , Alex Croft
As strong winds begin to hit Scotland and northern regions, a major road has been closed to vehicles which are likely to be affected.
National Highways said the A66 has been closed in both directions to “high-sided and vulnerable vehicles” between the M6 and A1M.
This will cause major disruption to some drivers planning to travel between Cumbria and North Yorkshire today. Drivers planning to cross the Pennines are advised to consider alternative routes such as the A69.
Conditions have “significantly improved” says air traffic controller – but delays remain
Monday 30 December 2024 10:40 , Alex Croft
The foggy conditions that caused disruption at Gatwick Airport over the weekend have lessened, air traffic control services have said, but significant delays remain.
Air traffic control provider Nats said in a statement: “The weather conditions that caused disruption to UK airports over the weekend have significantly improved.
“Only a few air traffic regulations remain, and these are within normal operating limits.
“Passengers should still check the status of their flight with their airline, as there may be knock-on impacts to the usual flying schedule.”
More than 20 flights planned for Gatwick today have been cancelled in advance, with passengers warned of more delays to come.
Cancellations continue at Gatwick
Monday 30 December 2024 10:10 , Albert Toth
After three days of fog led to the cancellation of around 200 flights to and from London Gatwick, more departures and arrivals have been grounded at the Sussex airport.
Planes and pilots are out of position, with flight time limitations also coming into play.
So far 27 more flights have been grounded at Gatwick, affecting up to 5,000 passengers. The biggest airline at the Sussex airport, easyJet, has grounded 17 flights. Inbound services from Aberdeen, Inverness and Belfast City were axed.
Departures on easyJet to Nice, Venice, Murcia, Milan, Naples, Innsbruck and Rennes have also been cancelled.
Passengers were told: “We were affected by a three-day disruption caused by low-visibility weather conditions in London Gatwick.
“This has meant that air traffic control has had to limit the number of aircraft that can arrive and depart, which has sadly led to delays and cancellations today. The safety of you and our crew is our highest priority, and we thank you for your understanding.”
British Airways has grounded flights from Gatwick to Algiers, Jersey (two services), Seville and Verona.
Where are the Met Office warnings over New Year?
Monday 30 December 2024 09:50 , Albert Toth
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings covering the New Year period, with every region of the UK covered at some point over the next week.
The forecast spells a turbulent New Years’ Eve for many as the bad weather is set to travel southwards across the country between 31 December and 1 January.
Here’s what the weather warnings look like today and over the next few days:
Many flight delays into early hours of Monday morning
Monday 30 December 2024 09:26 , Simon Calder
At London Gatwick, short-notice cancellations continued long into Sunday night, with easyJet in particular grounding dozens of flights as passengers waited in the terminals.
British Airways, Vueling and Wizz Air also left thousands of people stranded on Sunday with cancellations to and from the Sussex airport.
Many of the passengers who made it back to Gatwick were severely delayed, with some easyJet, BA and Tui flights arriving four hours or more behind schedule.
But the record delay on Sunday was a Ryanair lunchtime flight from Belfast International to London Stansted, which took off 12 hours late and landed at the Essex airport at 2.11am.
Thousands of passengers disrupted as fog hits Gatwick flights for fourth day
Monday 30 December 2024 08:56 , Albert Toth
Flight restrictions remain in place at Gatwick Airport for a fourth day because of fog, disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers.
More than 20 flights planned for the West Sussex airport on Monday were cancelled in advance and passengers are being warned of delays throughout the day.
Flights at the UK’s second busiest airport have been disrupted since Friday because of fog.
A Gatwick spokesperson said: “Temporary air traffic restrictions have been put in place due to fog causing poor visibility.
“Some flights may be delayed throughout the day.
“London Gatwick apologises for any inconvenience.
“Passengers should contact their airline for further information.”
Passengers on flights delayed by more than two hours may be entitled to assistance, including food and drink or overnight accommodation if necessary.
Weather warnings December 30-31
Monday 30 December 2024 06:00 , Barney Davis
How long will the icy, wet and windy weather last?
Monday 30 December 2024 05:04 , Barney Davis
Northerly winds will draw cold air across the UK. Showers of rain and sleet will turn increasingly to snow, especially across the north, and coasts which are exposed to the onshore wind.
This cold, showery northerly may persist in the east, as high pressure builds in the Atlantic brings a period of more settled weather to western areas.
There is also a chance that rain may move in from the south over the first weekend of January, falling as snow as it runs into colder air. Into the following week, a fairly changeable picture is probable.
Wettest and windiest weather in the north and west, whilst the south and east will more likely remain more settled overall.
How do I qualify for a cash payout if my flight is delayed?
Monday 30 December 2024 04:00 , Barney Davis
If you are flying from a UK/EU airport or on a British/ European airline and are delayed in arrival by at least three hours, the presumption is that you are owed hundreds of pounds in compensation.
The payment depends on distance:
Under 1,500km, for example London to Nice: £220 or €250
1,500-3,500km, such as Manchester-Malaga: £350 or €400
Above 3,500km, eg Birmingham-Dubai: £520 or €600. If a long-haul arrival delay is between three and four hours, the compensation is halved.
The only way the airline can avoid paying out is by demonstrating “extraordinary circumstances” were responsible.
extraordinary circumstances refers to “political instability, meteorological conditions incompatible with the operation of the flight concerned, security risks, unexpected flight safety shortcomings and strikes”.
25cm snow warnings issued over New Year
Sunday 29 December 2024 11:38 , Barney Davis
Heavy rain and snow may bring significant disruption in the after New Year, the Met Office has warned.
The forecaster says a band of rain in association with a deep low pressure system moving in from the west pushes east on Wednesday affecting Scotland, North East and swathes of Yorkshire.
They say it’s likely to turn to snow as it moves into cold air across the northern half of the UK.
Around 2-5 cm is expected locally and nearer 10 cm of snow accumulations are possible widely, with 10-15 cm and locally 20-25 cm over hills with significant drifting due to strong winds.
The warning begins at 9am on January 1 and lasts until 3am January 2.
