Stormy Start to 2024: Wet and Windy Weather Set to Batter UK
A strong jet stream is driving a series of low-pressure systems across the Atlantic, unleashing wet and windy weather over the coming days. The Met Office has already issued multiple weather warnings for rain, snow, ice, and strong winds.
New Year’s Eve: Rain and Wind Lash the UK
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Helen Caughey warned of a “very unsettled New Year weekend for much of the UK.” She said, “New Year’s Eve for most will be the wetter of the two days, with a number of fronts bringing rain and wind across much of the country. The unsettled weather will stay with us into the evening.”
Scotland will see a mostly dry day initially, but expect showers to turn into persistent rain and hill snow later on. The rain and snow will continue to push north into New Year’s Day, bringing the bulk of the unsettled weather to Scotland.
Chilly North, Milder South, Ice Risks Early Sunday
“While it will be mild across the south, it will remain colder in the north with an ice risk in places early on Sunday,” Caughey added. Elsewhere, drier conditions are expected but with scattered showers, especially in western regions. Weather should become more settled by Monday.
Next Week: North-South Weather Split Predicted
The outlook for next week points to a southeast-northwest divide. High pressure will cling to the south, bringing calmer weather, while the north faces low pressure, showers, longer spells of rain, and strong winds. The exact extent of rainfall and wind remains uncertain but clarity is expected soon.
