The UK has started the new year with less-than-ideal weather conditions as howling winds and heavy rain dominate the city. The Met Office issued weather warnings for much of southern England, with strong winds being the primary concern.
While London is expected to escape the worst of the rain, the capital will bear the brunt of the winds. The Met Office issued a yellow warning for wind, stating that “a spell of very windy weather, accompanied by heavy rain in places, is likely to cause some travel disruption.” This weather warning is in effect from 8 am on Tuesday, January 2, until 9 pm the same day.
Winds are forecasted to increase in strength throughout the day, reaching a peak of 38 mph at 5 pm, with individual gusts potentially being even stronger.
Today, on Monday, January 1, rain is expected to continue, with the heaviest downpour forecasted for 4 pm. The yellow warning for rain covers a significant portion of the country, including the south-west, Wales, the Midlands, and parts of East Anglia. While London is not directly in the warning area, areas like Henley-on-Thames and just north of St Albans are on the edge of it.
Temperatures for Monday are expected to reach highs of 9°C during the day, rising to 11°C as the day progresses. Tuesday will see highs of 13°C and lows of 9°C, with the rain likely to continue until early in the morning before intermittent showers throughout the day.
The blustery conditions may cause travel disruptions, so commuters are advised to take precautions and plan accordingly.