The new year is likely to blast in on a wet and chilly wind for many, with warnings from the Met Office of gale force winds of up to 70mph in northern England, southern Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is also forecasting heavy rain in many parts, including the sodden ground of much of the south-west of England, sleet and snow on high ground in Scotland, and a risk of localised flooding.
For many whose Christmas was ruined by flooding, the forecast means more days of sandbagged doorways and blocked roads. The Environment Agency still has 191 flood alerts and 79 flood warnings in place.
However, in most areas the wind and rain are expected to ease off in time to ring in the new year, with milder, calmer weather forecast on New Year's Day. The Met Office said just 46mm (1.8in) of rain by midnight on the 31stwould make this year the wettest on record for the entire UK. England, which had drought orders in place in many areas in spring, has already set a new record, with 1,095.8mm (43.1in) of rain between 1 January and Boxing Day.
The Environment Agency said any rain would fall on ground already saturated, with rivers including the Thames, Severn and Wye at very high levels.
Its flood risk manager, Katharine Evans, warned people not to walk or drive through floodwater: "With more heavy rain forecast, it is as important as ever to be prepared for flooding, keep up to date with the warnings and if you are at risk, to move valuable items to safety."
Edinburgh, which expects at least 80,000 people in the streets around its castle for entertainments and fireworks, the culmination of a three day festival, had its Hogmanay celebrations cancelled because of dire weather in 2003 and 2006, but is predicted to have only showers and a cool, dry night this year.
