Scotland has been hit with a new weather warning for Hogmanay days after forecasters warned of “hazardous” snow and “heavy” rain.
The country will face an “erratic” change this week to mark the end of 2024. It comes after a mild Christmas period where temperatures climbed. But revellers now face a fresh alert, with a yellow warning for wind also being added to the mix.
The warning will be in place between 7am and 11pm on Tuesday, December 31 and it will run alongside the active yellow warning for snow and rain. The weather-bomb will hit in the central belt, affecting both Glasgow and Edinburgh where thousands of partygoers will take to the streets.
The MetOffice is warning that strong westerly winds could lead to some travel disruption on New Year’s Eve. Gusts of 50 to 60mph are expected which could reach up to 70mph in a few exposed areas. Forecasters have warned that delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely. And have advised that some journeys may take longer.
The warning comes just hours after a yellow alert for snow which will start on Monday, December 30 at midnight. The warning could see blankets of snow cover much of the north, with widespread totals of 50 to 70mm possible over the two days. Some places could see between 100 to 140mm of rain, more likely in the west.
The long-range forecast predicts that snow will also be seen across Scotland which is to intensify as it moves southwards through the week, bringing snow and colder temperatures to other parts of the UK.
It states: “Rain, stronger winds and some snow already across Scotland may on Tuesday become more severe and start to push southwards through the middle part of next week, bringing a chance of snow to other parts of the UK, along with colder conditions more widely.”
Looking further ahead, things are to become more settled by next week with a gradual return to near average temperatures, possibly becoming mild once more.
The longrange report adds: “Beyond this, a fairly changeable picture is most likely although confidence in details is, as usual at this range, very low. Wettest/windiest weather in the north and west, whilst the south and east will probably remain more settled overall.”
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