Britain prepared for a New Year’s wash

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Britain is bracing for wind and rain for New Year’s Eve, as meteorologists warn of difficult driving conditions caused by wet weather over the coming days.

Temperatures will remain mild across much of the UK, the Met Office said, but sweltering rain is set to hit much of England and Wales during the post-Christmas period.

Gusts of up to 40 mph, along with torrential rain, are set to dampen the festivities on Saturday.

It comes after the hospitality industry expected New Year’s Eve to be quieter than usual, with people choosing to stay home.

UKH Hospitality, the industry body, said nearly one in three bookings in pubs and restaurants had been canceled up until December.

Kate Nicholls, the organisation’s chief executive, blamed ongoing railway strikes and said bookings for December 31 were also “weaker than usual” as the public tried to save money amid the cost of living crisis.

Drivers planning trips over the next few days have been urged to check for updates on weather warnings, as meteorologists said conditions are expected to remain unsettled.

Greg Dewhurst, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “There could be some heavy rain so some challenging driving conditions across England and Wales across the highlands.

“There will be some heavy rain on Thursday, so it is difficult to get a shower because it reduces visibility.

“It will remain unsettled across the UK for the rest of the year. In the new year we will see rain and stronger winds as well.

“The main theme is that it’s on the mild side for many. The best message is that everywhere can expect some heavy rain all weekend and some strong winds.”

Yellow warnings for snow were issued across most of Scotland on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the potential for travel disruption as some roads and railways will be affected.

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