There are just a couple of days before Christmas but Brits in some parts of the country will see brutal snow and showers ahead of festivities beginning. The Met Office has warned of some perilous weather striking Scotland.
And weather maps show a heavy 5cm polar blast of snow for parts of Scotland throughout today (Saturday, December 23) having started at 3pm. This is then set to spread to Northern Ireland and parts of northern England as the weekend progresses.
Meanwhile, weather warnings are in place from the Met Office throughout the build-up to Christmas Day. The weather agency is telling Brits to watch out for “heavy rain” in west Scotland, as well as a risk of flooding.
A warning for icy rain is also in place for a large portion of Wales for the entire weekend. Things will only get worse on Christmas Eve, when weather warnings for wind are in place for the vast majority of Scotland, including the north-east of England and the Midlands.
Gusts could get as high as 70mph – but wind of around 50mph will be the most common.
Both the icy rain and winds add to a nightmare pre-Christmas travel scenario for many Brits, after days of delays and disruption at the busiest time on the year for motorways and train lines. More than three million car journeys are expected to take place today.
Over the weekend, the yellow rain warning for Wales indicates as much as 80mm of rain could fall on west-facing high ground, and 40mm elsewhere. While in the north-east of Scotland, as much as 100mm could fall over high grounds and 50mm in other regions.
The wind warning, meanwhile, indicates there could be delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport. Those living on the coast also should be aware of sea spray and huge waves battering seaside towns.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Keates said: “It’s a windy weekend for many, with some heavy rain expected too, especially in the west, with a number of weather warnings in force. Low pressure to the north of the UK is chiefly responsible for this period of unsettled weather, with a number of weather fronts bringing periods of heavy and persistent rain, particularly in western Scotland and Wales through Saturday and into Sunday.
“Those further east will generally see drier conditions through the weekend, though even here will see some showers at times. Temperatures in the south will be very mild for the time of year, likely peaking at around 15°C in the far south-east on Saturday.”
RAC Breakdown Spokesperson Rod Dennis added there was “the chance travellers’ last-minute getaway trips could be disrupted.” He added train delays could lead to more people opting to drive, “which could add to already exceptionally high traffic volumes. Nationally, we expect around 3.2million separate getaway journeys to be made today by car.
“For this reason, we urge drivers to be on their guard for debris in the road, including branches and possibly even trees, especially along more rural routes. Gusty conditions can also make driving more difficult, so it’s advisable drivers reduce their speed and stay focused on the road ahead.”
This evening and tonight:
Generally windy and rather cloudy overnight. Rain mostly in the west, particularly persistent for north-west England and west Wales. Turning a little drier in the north later. Very mild for most, but feeling chilly across Shetland.
Sunday:
Cloudy Christmas Eve in the south with rain or drizzle. Brighter elsewhere with sunny spells and showers, heavy at times. Mild, but very windy – especially northern England and Scotland.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
An unsettled Christmas Day with rain and strong winds, plus snow over the mountains of Scotland. Calmer for Boxing Day with some sunshine, but rain returns for Wednesday.
