Forecasters have revealed that snowfall is expected across large parts of the UK at the start of a cold new year, as people were advised to dress warmly with near-freezing temperatures forecast for New Year’s Eve.
In the other parts of the UK, the Met Office revealed that dry weather and clear skies are expected, providing favourable conditions for fireworks, while temperatures are forecast to remain chilly.
Weather warnings for snow are in effect on Friday in Northern Ireland and extend from Wales through parts of the north-west, the West Midlands, London and much of south-east England.
Travel disruption is expected, with road users advised to allow extra time for journeys, while delays and cancellations are anticipated across public transport services.
Read also the related story on New Daily Prime: UK cold weather continues beyond Boxing Day
A forecaster, Simon Partridge, noted that as 2026 begins, it would be “cold regardless of where you are”.
“At midnight in London, there will be mostly clear skies, it will be quite chilly, but with fairly light winds, with temperatures around 1-2. For Cardiff, it’s again dry, there will be a bit more cloud around but still dry, again light winds, temperatures there a little bit warmer, 2-3.”
Partridge said in northern areas, there would be cloudier skies, but visibility for fireworks displays was not expected to be affected.
“We are not looking at low clouds, mist or murk, so you should be able to see fireworks, just not stars.”
In a post on X, the Met Office said: “A cold New Year’s Eve evening for those out celebrating, so extra layers will be needed.”
Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for north-east and north-west England, which are scheduled to remain in effect until noon on 5 January. Temperatures in the affected areas are forecast to fall to between 3C and 5C.
The agency said the conditions are expected to place significant pressure on health and social care services, with a likely increase in mortality among people aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions.
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