Edinburgh's famous Hogmanay celebrations are set to welcome thousands of revellers tonight, marking the festival's return after last year's cancellation. Despite chilly temperatures of around minus two°C, the Met Office forecasts dry conditions for the Scottish capital as crowds gather to ring in 2026.
Cold snap and weather warnings
The Met Office said on X: "A cold New Year's Eve evening for those out celebrating, so extra layers will be needed." Temperatures will hover around two to three°C in Cardiff and just above freezing in London at midnight.
Edinburgh will see wind gusts of 25-30mph, while freezing fog patches could form across western and north-western England. Meteorologist Mr Partridge noted: "We are not looking at low cloud, mist or murk, so you should be able to see fireworks, just not stars."
Snow and health alerts ahead
From six am on New Year's Day, a yellow warning for snow and ice takes effect across parts of Scotland north of the central belt, lasting until midnight on January 2. Strong, potentially gale-force northerly winds will accompany the conditions.
Some areas could see around ten cm of snow by Friday morning, with up to 30cm on the highest roads and hills. The Met Office advised those travelling early on New Year's Day to take care.
The UK Health Security Agency issued amber cold health alerts for north-east and north-west England, remaining in place until noon on January 5. The alerts warn of likely significant impacts across health and social care services. Deaths could rise among those with health conditions or aged 65 and over, as temperatures could drop to three to five°C.
Celebrations across Scotland
First Minister John Swinney urged people to show small acts of kindness in the new year, quoting Robert Burns' "Auld Lang Syne" ahead of the celebrations.
Beyond Edinburgh, Scotland's New Year traditions continue with the Stonehaven fireball ceremony in Aberdeenshire and the annual Biggar bonfire in South Lanarkshire. Ceilidhs and other cultural events will take place across the country.
Authorities will enforce airspace restrictions for unmanned aircraft around Edinburgh Castle, prohibiting flights below 2,000ft within one nautical mile from six pm Wednesday until two am Thursday.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
