A powerful jet stream is hurling a parade of low-pressure systems across the Atlantic, bringing wet and windy chaos to much of the UK in the coming days. The Met Office has slapped down several weather warnings covering rain, snow, ice, and strong winds.
Stormy New Year’s Eve on the Cards
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Helen Caughey warned, “It’ll be an unsettled New Year weekend for much of the UK. New Year’s Eve will be the wetter of the two days, with numerous fronts unleashing rain and wind across the country. The unsettled weather will last well into the evening.”
Scotland will escape most of the blow, with a mainly dry day and only a few showers. But a steady band of rain and hill snow is expected to roll in later.
Cold Snap Hits the North on New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day will see more mixed conditions. “Scotland will bear the brunt of the unsettled weather, with rain turning to snow over higher ground as it pushes north,” said Caughey.
The south will enjoy mild weather, but the north faces a chill and risk of ice early Sunday. Meanwhile, western areas could see some showers, but overall drier weather will prevail, turning more settled by Monday.
Next Week’s Weather Split: Calm South, Stormy North
Looking ahead, a classic southeast-northwest weather split is expected. High pressure will hang on in the south, bringing calmer conditions, while low pressure to the north fuels showers, longer spells of rain, and strong winds.
However, exactly how far the rain and winds push south and east is still up in the air. Meteorologists expect clearer forecasts as the week progresses.
