UK weather live: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay cancelled as wind threatens London fireworks

A rare severe flood warning of “danger to life” has been issued for part of northern Scotland on Hogmanay, as a heavy downpour of rain is expected to burst riverbanks.

Aviemore and nearby areas in the Highlands are bracing for extensive river flooding on Tuesday morning after a night of continuous rain.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) is warning communities in the north west and central Highlands to prepare for the impact of flooding in the run-up to Hogmanay.

A yellow weather warning of heavy rain and snow is currently in force across most of Scotland on Monday and Tuesday, while an amber warning for rain is in place for an area around Inverness on Tuesday.

On Monday evening, Sepa warned people around Aviemore should act immediately, saying: “There is a danger to life. If you are in an affected area and are in danger and need assistance, call emergency responders.

“Due to persistent and heavy rainfall, river levels on the River Spey will rise throughout Monday night and into Tuesday morning causing serious flooding.

“Extensive flooding to properties and businesses is expected in and around Aviemore.”

Andy Page, a chief forecaster with the Met Office, says the forecast for the UK in the coming days is “very complicated”.

“There is a very complicated weather forecast for the UK with snow, strong winds and heavy rain all feature for parts of the UK. Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week,” he said.

“With such a varied and complex weather situation there is potential for the pattern of warnings to shift and possibly escalate in some areas. With lots of celebrations and people on the move over the coming days, we are urging everyone to keep checking the forecast so they can update their plans.”

There are two weather warnings in place for Monday night.

A yellow wind warning for wind covers a patch of central northern England. “Westerly winds will be strong and gust at times. Gusts of 50-60mph are possible over high ground,” the Met Office says.

A yellow rain and snow warning covering most of Scotland will be in place until 23:59 on Tuesday, which is expected to bring “bring significant disruption in the build up to New Year”.

The cancellation of Blackpool’s fireworks display to celebrate New Years Eve is the second time since 2021 the festivites have been called off.

Three years ago, the fireworks were cancelled due to the risks of blustery winds.

A spokesperson for VisitBlackpool told the BBC:

“Unfortunately, as the fireworks were being fired from the beach, it isn’t possible to move the time of the display to later this evening because of tidal conditions.

“We have therefore taken the decision to cancel now to give people the earliest opportunity to plan their day.”

As Auld Lang Syne rings out across the UK at the turn of the year, let’s take a look at where the weather may be suitabe for some festive fireworks.

The first graph shows the type and the amount of rain and snow. The grey areas in the north are where snow is expected – the darker the grey, the more snow forecast.

The second graph shows the expected temperatures, with relatively mild predictions for much of the south and chillier temperatures up north.

Snow has been forecast in areas of northern Scotland – but what exactly can residents expect?

Until 23:59 on Tuesday, a yellow rain and snow warning will cover the majority of Scotland, barring southern parts. At 5am on Tuesday morning, a yellow warning for snow will cover the Orkney islands.

The Met says heavy rain will be “persistent and widespread” with totals of 50 to 70mm possible over two days. Some areas in western Scotland may see 100 to 140mm of rain.

North and east of Perthshire will likely see snow, with 10-20cm in areas above 150 metres, according to the forecaster. The Met Office says: “As milder air pushes in, snow will turn back to rain, and any rapid snow melt will contribute to flooding in places.

“Strong winds may exacerbate impacts, particularly across the areas of Scotland affected by snow. Blizzard conditions are possible, especially over high ground and across much of Sutherland and Caithness. Powerline icing is possible where blizzard conditions occur.”

At 12am on Wednesday 1 January, it will be replaced by a yellow snow and ice warning covering the Highlands and northern areas of Scotland. “Rain turning to snow is likely to lead to some travel disruption and difficult driving conditions on New Years Day,” the Met Office says.

The snow and ice warning will remain in place until 9am on Thursday.

An amber weather warning for rain has been issued in the Scottish Highlands.

Stretching from Inverness down to Fort William, the warning will be in place from 12am until 5pm on Tuesday 31 December.

The Met Office says: “After a brief lull during Monday afternoon, another period of heavy rain is expected to develop during Monday night and persist through Tuesday morning before turning to showers on Tuesday afternoon, giving another 50-70mm on top of what has already fallen.

“This is likely to lead to significant travel disruption and may result in some flooding of properties.

“Yellow rain and snow warnings will continue to be in force after the expiry of this warning.”

Fast flowing floodwater, power cuts and travel disruption are “likely” the forecaster says.

Covering Monday 30 December to Thursday 2 January, the warnings see all parts of the UK affected at some point in the week. The wet and windy weather will begin in Scotland and northern regions before moving downwards overnight on New Year’s Eve and into New Year’s Day.

Warnings have been issued for heavy rain, winds, snow and ice. Most are yellow warnings, where extra precaution should be taken, but one amber warning has been issued on Tuesday which poses a flood threat.