LONDON — As the New Year approaches, party-goers across the U.K. may find themselves drenched due to challenging weather conditions. A powerful storm system is set to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, snow, and potential flooding, leading to the cancellation of numerous firework displays, with some being called off more than a day in advance of midnight celebrations.
The iconic Hogmanay festivities in Edinburgh, which typically include a lively street party, a concert in the gardens, and a fireworks display from the historic castle, have been canceled before they could even commence on Monday. Many participants, like Neeraj Krishnan who traveled from London, expressed their disappointment and uncertainty about alternative plans for ringing in the New Year.
The Met Office has warned of wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph across England and Wales on New Year’s Day, with even stronger gusts of 75 mph anticipated on elevated areas and the coastal regions. Meteorologist Craig Snell stated, “It’s going to be a challenging few days, with lots of rain and wind as we head into the new year.” Heavy rain combined with brisk winds is already affecting multiple regions in Scotland and northern England, leading to travel disruptions by both train and road, as well as diminishing public celebrations.
Firework displays planned for Blackpool in northwest England and events at Newcastle’s Quayside, Ripon in North Yorkshire, and the Sandown Carnival on the Isle of Wight have all been either canceled or rescheduled due to the adverse weather conditions. Officials from Newcastle City Council emphasized that “safety always comes first” and noted that the severe weather forecast made it clear that proceeding with the events would pose risks.
Authorities are advising residents to steer clear of the shore in Scarborough, located in northeast England, as the combination of high winds and a high tide is anticipated to produce large, crashing waves along the coast. Meanwhile, event organizers in London are carefully monitoring wind conditions as they prepare for a grand New Year’s celebration, which includes a spectacular fireworks display along the River Thames and a parade scheduled for Wednesday afternoon featuring 75 acts and around 10,000 performers.
The planned fireworks are set to be launched against the stunning backdrop of the London Eye, the prominent Ferris wheel situated across the river from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Darryl Fleming, the director overseeing the London fireworks display, conveyed to media outlets that the projected wind direction is not expected to interfere with the show.
Additionally, some activities slated for Wednesday, such as an annual bathtub boat race in Poole, Dorset, and a traditional sea dip in Lyme Regis on the southwest coast, have also been canceled due to the weather conditions.
