Millions of Britons embarking on Christmas getaways this weekend are being warned of severe weather conditions as wind warnings take effect across much of the UK. The Met Office has forecast a wet and windy weekend, with potential disruptions to roads, railways, and other public transport services.
Met Office Issues Yellow Wind Warnings as Millions Prepare to Hit the Roads
The AA estimates that 22.7 million drivers will take to the roads on Saturday, with 21.3 million expected on Sunday. This comes as the Met Office issued yellow wind warnings for large swathes of the UK, cautioning that travelling could be arduous due to gusty conditions.
The warnings are in place from 7am on Saturday to 9pm on Sunday, covering regions such as the north-west, north-east, Scotland, parts of Wales, and Northern Ireland. By Sunday, the warnings will extend to London, the south-east, the south-west, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, and all of Wales and Northern Ireland.
Gusts of up to 80mph Forecast
Westerly winds are set to intensify on Saturday, with gusts of 50-60mph expected widely, and isolated areas possibly experiencing 80mph. The strongest winds are likely to impact the far north of Scotland, particularly coastal areas such as Orkney, where conditions may be hazardous due to large waves and risks to causeways.
The Met Office warns of possible transport disruptions, including ferry delays or cancellations. Blustery showers are expected to dominate on Saturday, merging into longer spells of rain in northern areas.
Snowfall could bring additional hazards, particularly in the north-west of Scotland, where showers may turn to snow on hills, with icy patches forming at lower levels by Sunday morning.
Key risks this weekend include:
- Strong winds – 50-60mph gusts widely, with up to 80mph in coastal areas.
- Coastal hazards – Large waves and dangerous causeway conditions in northern Scotland.
- Blustery showers – Potentially merging into longer rain spells in the north.
- Snowfall – Several centimetres on hills, with sleet and hail at lower levels causing icy roads.
Major Congestion Hotspots Identified
According to the RAC, seven million leisure trips are anticipated on major roads this weekend, excluding regular daily traffic. Key congestion hotspots include:
- The M1 to Gatwick via the M25 and M23
- Liverpool to Chester along the M53
- Oxford to the south coast via the A34 and M3
- The M25 to the south coast along the M3
- The M5 from Taunton to the Almondsbury Interchange in Bristol
Rod Dennis, a spokesperson for the RAC, noted that the combination of strong winds and wintry showers will make travel a “pretty exhausting experience” for many.
Advice for drivers:
- Plan your route carefully, checking for delays or road closures.
- Drive cautiously in exposed areas, particularly bridges and causeways.
- Prepare for delays due to poor weather conditions and congestion.
Travel Services Disrupted by Weather
The severe weather has already impacted ferry services, with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company cancelling its Saturday evening and early Sunday morning sailings between Douglas and Heysham. Similarly, CalMac, which operates ferries along Scotland’s west coast, warned of possible cancellations or delays to Saturday’s services.
Douglas Cairns from Transport Scotland advised that road, rail, air, and ferry services are all susceptible to disruptions, with extended journey times and restrictions on bridges likely.
Milder Christmas Weather Ahead
While conditions are expected to ease by Monday, cloud and rain are likely to dominate the Christmas period, with much milder temperatures forecast. The Met Office has dismissed hopes of a white Christmas for most, describing the outlook as “cloudy and nondescript.”
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks explained that high pressure will bring more settled weather from Christmas Eve, with temperatures rising significantly above seasonal norms, particularly in the north.
Christmas Day conditions:
- Overcast skies across most regions.
- Sunny spells possible in eastern Scotland.
- Drizzle likely over western hills, with persistent rain in north-west Scotland.
- Mild temperatures, up to 10°C above the seasonal average in some areas.
Despite the challenging weather leading up to Christmas, travellers are being urged to plan ahead and prepare for potential disruptions.
