Weather conditions across the UK are improving just in time for the final Christmas travel rush, offering some relief to commuters and last-minute shoppers.
After a weekend of disruptions caused by strong winds, which led to flight cancellations and widespread rail delays, all weather warnings have now been lifted.
The worst of the weekend’s weather included gusts reaching 82mph in South Uist on the Western Isles, with many areas experiencing winds of 50-60mph. Belfast City Airport had to close its runway on Sunday following a “hard landing” incident, but it resumed operations by Monday morning. Heathrow Airport also faced around 100 flight cancellations due to the severe weather, but operations returned to normal on Monday.
The Met Office has predicted a mild “grey Christmas” with temperatures expected to remain unusually warm for most of the UK, eliminating the possibility of a white Christmas. A mix of sunshine and patchy rain is forecast across the UK, with some light snow expected in higher regions such as the Scottish Hills and the Pennines.
For those traveling today and tomorrow, conditions are expected to be much calmer. National Rail services reported no major disruptions, although some isolated delays persisted. While driving conditions have improved, heavy traffic is anticipated, particularly on key routes such as the M25, M1, and M6. The RAC has forecasted a record 29 million separate journeys during the festive period, with nearly 7 million expected over the next two days.
Meanwhile, supermarkets are seeing a surge in shoppers, with Monday predicted to be the busiest food shopping day of the year, as many households opt to stay in and conserve their budgets for Christmas.
Looking ahead, Christmas Eve will be predominantly cloudy, but with temperatures reaching an average of 12-13°C, it is on track to be one of the mildest on record. Christmas Day itself is expected to bring temperatures of 11-12°C.
The travel picture looks set to improve significantly, with calmer conditions offering smoother journeys for those making their way home for the holidays.