London is due for a windy start in the New Year with 54mph winds threatening to blow through the streets on New Years Day, the Met Office say. A yellow weather warning for wind has been announced over London and across southern England from January 1.
The warning has been put in place from 7am until 11.59pm tomorrow – an extension from the previous warning, which was to start at 9am. The timings mean the strongest wind gusts won’t hit until after New Year’s Eve celebrations are over. However, winds are due to pick up today (December 31), with gusts of 26mph in the morning building to 47mph by 11pm.
There is also a small chance of danger to life from flying debris, The Met Office said. Power cuts are another potential.
An area of low pressure is expected to track across England and Wales, with strong southwesterly winds on its southern flank. The strongest winds are expected across coastal regions in the west and south of the warning area, where gusts of 65-75 mph are possible. Inland gusts will typically be in the 40-50 mph range, but a brief spell of 60 mph gusts is possible in association with the passage of an active, squally cold front during the afternoon.
Wind speeds will continue to build from the early hours of January 1 until they reach their peak speed in London of 54mph at 9am and 10am. After the two hour blow out, the winds will gradually subside to 21mph by 11pm.
There is no rain forecasted today but it will be overcast from 1pm. Cloud cover will remain in place until 8am on January 1. At 9am, rain will begin to fall and will get heavier until it stops at 3pm. At the pinnacle of windspeeds there is a 95 per cent chance of rain too. It will be a rather miserable day weather-wise so best to try keep celebrations in doors.
Forecast for London and the South East
Today:
Mainly dry and largely cloudy today, although some brighter spells are possible at times. Occasional light rain or drizzle is likely in southern counties. Becoming breezy this morning with winds strengthening further this afternoon. Notably mild for late December. Maximum temperature 11 °C.
Tonight:
Remaining largely dry overnight, although it will be windy and mostly cloudy throughout. Temperatures remaining above average for the time of year. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
Wednesday:
Dry to start, but persistent, locally heavy rain spreads south through the day, clearing late afternoon or early to mid-evening. Very windy, with a risk of coastal gales, easing later. Maximum temperature 12 °C.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Much colder with widespread overnight frosts, perhaps severe. Mainly dry with plenty of daytime sunshine on offer and generally light winds.
How to prepare for the weather warning
The Met Office released advice about dealing with the extreme weather. It wrote: “Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus andtrain timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”
Get the top stories from across London directly to your inbox. Sign up for MyLondon’s The 12 HERE to get the biggest stories every day