London’s City Hall has said it is “monitoring the weather” ahead of the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations after some of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festivities were cancelled due to bad weather.
Almost every part of the country is covered by at least one of the multiple Met Office weather warnings between Monday and Wednesday. However for London, the wind warning doesn’t come in to place until 7am on New Year’s Day, and fends at midnight. A period of strong winds on Wednesday is likely to lead to some disruption, the Met Office said. Winds of up to 60mph are forecast.
However, stormy conditions are expected to spread to the rest of the UK on New Year’s Eve, with yellow warnings for wind and rain in place for parts of England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
On Monday afternoon, organisers announced outdoor events at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations on Monday and Tuesday would be cancelled, including the street party and concert in Princes Street Gardens – due to be headlined by Scottish band Texas – and the midnight fireworks.
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, 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.” The spokesperson said indoor events are continuing as planned.
It is understood there are currently no plans to cancel any New Year’s Eve events in London, but a spokesperson for the mayor confirmed local authorities were continuing “to monitor the weather forecast closely”.
Those with tickets to London’s biggest display can head to their designated viewing area from 8pm when gates open. The fireworks will then take place at midnight and the event will be over by 12.30am.
On New Year’s Eve, delays to all types of transport are “likely” as strong winds persist and may reach speeds of up to 70mph in England and Northern Ireland, the Met Office has warned.
A yellow warning for rain and snow is in place across Scotland until midnight on Wednesday, while an amber warning for rain comes into force for Moray and Highland first thing on Tuesday until 5pm.
A 24-hour yellow warning for rain will also come into force across much of Wales and north-west England from 6pm on Tuesday.
Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said: “It will be a tricky couple of days and a wet and windy spell for many up into the new year. We’re encouraging anyone who is planning to travel to keep up to date with the weather forecast and news from their local authorities.”
The new year will be off to a turbulent start with separate weather warnings in place for wind and rain on January 1. Winds of up to 60mph are forecast across much of England and Wales all day on Wednesday, with gusts of 75mph likely around coastal areas and hills, according to the Met Office.
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.
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