New Year weather forecast: Met Office gives snow verdict as millions of Brits travel across UK for celebrations
THE Met Office have given their snow verdict for the New Year as millions of Brits travel across the UK for celebrations.
In recent days, Storm Gerrit has battered the country with strong winds and heavy downpours with some places even ravaged by a “tornado”.
The storm sparked chaos across the nation, severely disrupting travel, crushing vehicles under trees and seeing flights grinding to a halt.
But with weather conditions slowly easing, Brits are now wondering whether 2024 will see a smattering of the white stuff.
The Met Office have predicted that there could be some snow heading into the New Year.
The forecaster added that early on Saturday morning, “a deep area of low pressure” will move in from the west to affect Ireland and western parts of the UK.
And this could lead to “a band of transient snow” in high ground areas in northern England and Scotland, say the Met Office.
Meteorologists also predicted that it is possible this snow could fall to lower levels “for a brief period of time across Scotland“.
Whether any snow fall continues into the New Year remains to be seen.
On Sunday – New Year’s Eve – forecasters say Brits should expect “showers and sunny spells”, potentially putting a dampener on firework plans.
New Year’s Day appears set to be slightly milder, with the Met Office’s long range forecast expecting a “finely balanced” day – but with “wintry showers” still expected.
For the remainder of the festive period much will depend on a low pressure system and where it is centred.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Steven Ramsdale said: “This system is likely to bring a range of weather including hill snow.
“Heavy rain will spread across all but the far north on Saturday affecting similar areas previously affected by Storm Gerrit.
“However, this rainfall will be a step down from that seen during Storm Gerrit.”
In its long-range forecast the Met Office has also said “it is possible some significant snowfall could occur” in early January.
But of course this is subject to change as the days tick by.
Next week could bring “more significant snowfall” – with fog and frost coming along with it.
A further risk of winter hazards – including ice and snow – could then develop.
Looking further ahead into 2024, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Nick Silkstone said that “colder-than-average” conditions should be expected.
He said: “Through to mid-January, there is a signal for a shift in the pattern compared to the winter so far, with more settled and colder-than-average conditions becoming increasingly likely.”
It comes as houses were left in a state of “absolute disaster” after a “localised tornado” hurtled through Stalybridge in Tameside.
Strong gusts from Storm Gerrit whipped through the town in Greater Manchester on Wednesday damaging around 100 properties.
No injuries were reported but many residents were forced to leave their homes.
Local Andy Turner said that the tornado lasted for about 15 seconds and was “pure carnage”.
He said: “At 11.30pm last night, there was – all I can describe – is a hurricane came through. It lasted for about 15 seconds.
“Cars were parked outside the house. My wife’s car is a write-off. My car took a bit of the brunt of the tree.
“It’s just lucky that nobody was hurt. It was pure carnage.”