New Year’s Eve revellers warned chilly weather and gale-force winds will hit celebrations

Met Office predicts cold temperatures across UK with mostly dry conditions, though Scotland faces showers and winds up to 30mph for Hogmanay celebrations

New Year’s Eve party-goers have been warned to wrap up warm as they head out for fireworks displays and other celebrations. Chilly temperatures have been forecast as we see in 2026, while some areas of the UK will be hit by gale-force winds.

Biting winds and showers will better Scotland during the day, hitting Hogmanay celebrations, while weather boffin Simon Partridge said it will be “cold regardless of where you are” as 2026 gets underway.

The Met Office forecaster said wind gusts of up to 25-30mph are predicted for Hogmanay festivities in Edinburgh, along with the possibility of downpours and hail.

By midnight in London, where thousands will gather along the Thames to witness the spectacular annual fireworks show, temperatures will hover just above freezing as Big Ben chimes in the new year.

Revellers planning to attend outdoor celebrations in Cumbria should consider bringing waterproof gear, as chilly winds may strengthen across the North West approaching midnight, with scattered showers likely.

The Met Office said on X: “A cold New Year’s Eve evening for those out celebrating, so extra layers will be needed.”

Weather expert Simon Partridge told the Press Association: “At midnight in London there will be mostly clear skies, it will be quite chilly, but with fairly light winds, with temperatures around 1-2C.

“For Cardiff it’s again dry, there will be a bit more cloud around but still dry, again light winds, temperatures there a little bit warmer, 2-3C.”

More overcast conditions are expected further north, though this shouldn’t impact visibility for observing pyrotechnic displays from vantage points, Mr Partridge explained.

“We are not looking at low cloud, mist or murk, so you should be able to see fireworks, just not stars,” he said.

Many across the UK will awaken to icy conditions on Wednesday, with some mist in the South West, though this should lift to reveal crisp winter sunlight as most of the country enjoys dry and settled conditions. Pockets of icy fog could also form across western and north-western England.

The mercury will plunge even lower as 2026 dawns, with snow and ferocious gales poised to pummel northern regions.

A yellow alert for snow and ice has been declared across parts of Scotland north of the central belt, running from 6am on New Year’s Day through to midnight on January 2.

Fierce, potentially gale-force northerly gusts will also pound areas within the warning zone, forecasters confirmed.

Approximately 10cm of snow is anticipated to settle in certain locations by Friday morning, with accumulations reaching 30cm on elevated routes and peaks.

Meanwhile, amber cold health warnings have been activated by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering the North East and North West of England, remaining active until noon on January 5, with the thermometer expected to plummet to 3-5C.

The UKHSA has warned that the weather is “likely” to have a significant impact on health and social care services, including a potential “rise in deaths” among those with health conditions or aged 65 or over.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.