Londoners can look forward to a brighter start to 2024 as the capital gears up for five consecutive days of sunshine next week, according to the latest forecasts. After enduring a damp and dreary Christmas period, clear skies and dry conditions are set to make a welcome return from January 3, offering a much-needed respite from the recent spate of bad weather.
Sunshine on the horizon
BBC Weather predicts sunny spells for London beginning midweek, with temperatures remaining cool at around 6°C. Clear skies are expected to dominate, providing crisp winter days for residents to enjoy. The mercury will climb slightly higher on Sunday and Monday, with highs of 9°C adding to the bright outlook.
However, the weather will remain unsettled in the short term. Gusty winds and rain are forecast for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, making for a damp start to 2024 before the sunshine takes hold.
The Met Office has provided a detailed outlook for the coming days, stating:
“Tuesday will be predominantly breezy and cloudy, with just a few bright spells possible early on. It will be mainly dry, though the odd spell of light rain or drizzle cannot be ruled out. Predominantly cloudy on New Year’s Day, with some bright spells in the afternoon. The odd spot of rain. Windy.”
Recent disruption across the UK
The improved weather forecast follows a period of significant travel disruption across the UK caused by dense fog. The Met Office reported visibility as low as 100 metres in some areas, wreaking havoc on air travel.
At Stansted Airport, flights were delayed as thick fog blanketed the runways. Meanwhile, live departure boards at Heathrow, Luton, and Manchester airports showed widespread delays on Saturday. Gatwick Airport recorded 238 flight delays, Heathrow 209, and Stansted 31, according to data from FlightAware.
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Nats, the UK’s primary air traffic control provider, confirmed that temporary air restrictions were imposed on Saturday in regions where visibility was critically low. Drivers also faced challenging conditions, with the Met Office advising motorists to proceed cautiously in foggy weather.
Weather warnings persist
While London looks set to bask in winter sunshine next week, other parts of the UK are bracing for challenging conditions. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and rain in Scotland, set to take effect in the coming days.
Heavy downpours and snowfall could lead to significant disruption in the region, particularly during the build-up to Hogmanay celebrations. The agency has urged residents to prepare for possible travel delays and difficult road conditions.
A brighter start to the new year
For Londoners, the forecast of consecutive sunny days comes as a welcome change after the damp and dismal weather that marked the festive period. With temperatures remaining brisk, the upcoming dry spell provides the perfect opportunity to embrace outdoor activities or take a refreshing winter walk under clear skies.
While the rain and gusts of New Year’s Eve may linger in the short term, the prospect of a brighter and calmer weather pattern offers hope for a cheerful start to January. As the capital dries out and clears up, Londoners can look forward to brighter days ahead.
