UK prepares for New Year celebrations as cold weather warnings issued

The UK is preparing to mark the end of 2025 and ring in the New Year at midnight as forecasters warn of cold spells across much of the country.

Yellow warnings issued published by the Met Office for snow and ice in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland; They will be in effect from midnight to noon on January 2.

Cold conditions are also expected to affect transport, with those traveling to New Year fireworks displays in London and Edinburgh being urged to prepare for longer journey times by road, bus and train.

Colder Arctic weather will spread across the UK from New Year’s Eve, with significant snowfall expected in northern Scotland. According to BBC Weather.

Meanwhile, the Met Police have warned people not to try to go to the Mayor of London’s fireworks event around the London Eye and Big Ben as tickets are sold out.

National Rail said a number of train companies will run extra services after midnight on New Year’s Eve as events in London begin to draw to a close.

Camden’s Primrose Hill, a popular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the capital, will be closed after the holidays. Royal Parks charity decides to close the park From 20:00 GMT on 30 December until 06:00 on New Year’s Day.

There were concerns about the safety of celebrations in the park after 16-year-old boy Harry Pitman was fatally stabbed there during the New Year’s Eve fireworks display in 2023..

Forecasters say there will also be strong winds from the north, with the Met Office saying there will be an additional yellow warning for wind in north-east Scotland and the Northern Isles from 9pm on Wednesday until 9am on Thursday.

On Friday, snowfall will be seen in Northern Ireland, Wales, the southern parts of North-West England, the Midlands and the south of England.

The cold weather is expected to last for more than a week due to yellow cold health warnings issued across England by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA).

Cold warning from UKHSA upgraded to amber color It will apply to the whole of England and will remain in force until 12:00 on January 6.

The warnings warn that deaths are rising, especially among the elderly and vulnerable people.

The Met Office has warned of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces that will develop rapidly once sleet and snow clear.

A new snow and ice warning is in place for a wide area of ​​England and Wales, from Chester and Greater Manchester to London and Kent.

Elsewhere, final preparations are being made ahead of massive fireworks displays in Edinburgh and London.

In Edinburgh, tens of thousands of revelers from around the world will attend the city’s famous Hogmanay street party, culminating in the traditional fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle at midnight.

Organizers will save money this year as they will use some of the fireworks purchased for last year’s event Which one was cancelled?.

Will Evans, director of Titanium Fireworks, told the BBC that this year there will be a six-minute display featuring around 10,000 fireworks accompanied by special music.

The last ScotRail trains on Hogmanay will depart earlier than usual and no trains will run on New Year’s Day, the rail firm said.

Elsewhere in Scotland, Stonehaven’s Hogmanay fireballs The event, which is expected to be attended by approximately 10,000 people, will continue.