BRITAIN will welcome in 2022 after the warmest New Year's Eve on record, forecasters say.
Temperatures are set to be "exceptionally mild" this week before hitting a balmy 15C on Friday - warmer than April, when the mercury hovers at an average of 14C.
Amazingly, the weather will be as good on the south coast and in the south-east as it is in Athens, Madrid and Rhodes.
And if predictions are correct, it'll be hotter in those areas than the record-breaking 14.8C recorded in Colwyn Bay, north Wales, in 2011.
Read our weather live blog for the latest news and forecasts
Louis Allwood 28 minutes ago
Exact date snow will begin in the New Year
The UK is expected to have the warmest New Years Eve since 2011 before the cold takes reign once again.
Exacta Weather forecaster James Madden told The Mirror: "Further snow events are likely particularly during the first half of January."
A "white Christmas" was declared this year even though the snow only took hold around parts of the country on Christmas day - and it's predicted those cooler temperatures will be back in January.
WXCharts show temperatures will drop down close to freezing on Monday and Tuesday for much off England and Wales.
Louis Allwood Today, 11:13
First 10 days of January 2022 forecast
On Saturday, New Year's Day, rain is likely to move east and northeast across the UK, followed by showers.
The wettest weather further north and west, with the southeast remaining drier. Strong winds are expected in the west, and it will continue to be very mild.
Thereafter, the unsettled weather will continue to dominate, with Atlantic weather systems moving in from the west, interspersed with showery and brighter spells.
The wettest areas are expected to be western hills, with the southeast remaining driest.
It will also continue to be windy, with gales possible along western coasts.
Temperatures likely mild or very mild at first, but returning closer to average into the new year. There is the chance of a brief settled spell towards the end of the period.
Louis Allwood Today, 10:30
Weather outlook tonight
London weather
A mostly dry night with the cloud gradually breaking up, misty conditions possible under clear skies in the early hours of the morning. Rain approaching from the west by dawn. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
Cardiff weather tonight
Largely dry this evening and turning rather chilly for a time. Temperatures climbing by the early hours though as rain arrives from the southwest. Becoming windier in places later. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
Louis Allwood Today, 10:00
"Worst cold ever"
The so-called “worst cold ever” appeared to begin spreading at the end of summer.
Experts said an immunity debt, owing to months in lockdown, meant common colds felt particularly bad.
The NHS lists says a common cold can cause:
A blocked or runny nose A sore throat Headaches Muscle aches Coughs Sneezing A raised temperature Pressure in your ears and face Loss of taste and smell
The difference between a cold and the flu is that a cold does not typically cause such a sudden spike in temperature.
There may be more blockage in the sinuses and a feeling of stuffiness, as opposed to flu which is more like a total body fatigue.
Louis Allwood Today, 09:41
Symptom checker
Regardless of your symptoms, it may be best to get a Covid test just to check and Health Secretary Sajid Javid has urged Brits to take a lateral flow test before going out and meeting with friends.
If it is positive, there are strict self-isolation rules. But if it is negative, experts say if you are unwell, it’s best to stay away from people to prevent spreading bugs, anyway.
Louis Allwood Today, 09:09
How do the next few days look
Met Office forecaster Sarah Kent said: “The weather has been pretty topsy-turvy.
“We’ve had a white Christmas – and now we’re going to see it get warmer.
“It’s going to be exceptionally mild in the coming days and could be as high as 15C on New Year’s Eve.
“If that’s the case, then another record will fall.”
Louis Allwood Today, 08:30
Today's weather forecast
Many areas starting cloudy with rain or showers, some heavy.
Becoming drier from the west with sunny spells, but strong winds in the south.
Freezing fog patches slow to clear from northwest Scotland, else some sunshine after a frosty start.
Milica Cosic Today, 08:00
Today's weather forecast
Showery rain will push eastwards across England, Wales and Scotland during the day.
Behind the rain there will be sunny spells and a few showers, with some dry conditions in Northern Ireland.
A strong Westerly breeze across the Midlands and Southern parts of England will make the air feel cooler.
Milica Cosic Today, 07:30
Weather outlook for Wednesday and Thursday
Wednesday will be wet for most, with the possibility of some wintry showers in Scotland.
Most of the rain in England and Wales will clear by Wednesday evening.
Thursday will be wet and overcast for most of the UK, with moderate South Westerly winds in the South of England and light winds elsewhere.
Milica Cosic Today, 07:00
10th to 24th January forecast
There is the potential for a short, settled spell in the beginning of the period, before more changeable, milder condition return later in the month.
Feeling colder with a risk of short-lived fog during any settled spells.
Still the chance for some widely milder conditions too, bringing the risk of heavy rain and strong winds at times.
Milica Cosic Today, 06:30
Rest of the week looking mild
Meteorologist at the Met Office Annie Shuttleworth said temperatures were forecast to be creeping up through the week.
“I think by Wednesday and Thursday we’ll have fairly exceptionally mild temperatures at least across central and southern England.
“And further north they’ll be warmer than average.”
By Thursday and Friday in London, the weather is forecast to be windy but very mild with further spells of rain but also drier interludes.
Milica Cosic Today, 06:00
'New normal extremes'
Wildlife was hit by storms, rainfall and wildfires in parts of the UK in 2021, in what is the "new normal" due to climate change, the National Trust said.
The past year has been punctuated by extreme events and sometimes unseasonal conditions, from dry spring weather that prompted fires to Storm Arwen which brought down thousands of trees across the UK.
Ben McCarthy, head of nature conservation and restoration ecology at the National Trust, said: "Climate change is making some forms of extreme weather events the new normal.
"Heatwaves and heavy rainfall are becoming more frequent and more intense.
"What we're seeing in the UK with the impacts of wildfires and severe storms such as Arwen and Barra, is how climate change is altering our landscapes forever. "
He warned the extreme events were putting even more pressure on the UK's wildlife, which is already in trouble with more than half of species in decline and 15% under threat of extinction.
Milica Cosic Today, 05:30
You could be fined ￡50 for not using dipped headlights
According to the Highway Code, motorists are required to use dipped headlights whenever visibility is seriously reduced.
Reduced visibility is generally considered when you are unable to see for more than 100 metres (328 feet) ahead of you.
Failing to use the appropriate dipped lights when visibility is reduced could land you a ￡50 on-the-spot fine if stopped by police.
Drivers should also be careful when using their front or rear fog lights as they can have a dangerous impact on other motorists.
Milica Cosic Today, 05:00
North African tropical plume set to sweep Britain
A balmy plume from North Africa will sweep Britain from tomorrow meaning the mercury could reach 15C on the last day of 2021.
Amazingly, the weather will be as good on the south coast and in the south-east as it is in Athens, Madrid and Rhodes.
And if predictions are correct, it’ll be hotter in those areas than the record-breaking 14.8C recorded in Colwyn Bay, north Wales, in 2011.
The 15.6C record for New Year’s Eve logged in Great Yarmouth, in 1901, could also tumble.
Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services, said: “The record for both days could go.
“It’s time for people to put on t-shirts and flip-flops and get the picnic tables out.
“This will last for about five days, after which we expect to pay for it with the cold to return.
“This is by no means the end of winter.”
Milica Cosic Today, 04:30
ALWAYS check your battery before heading off
With harsh weather conditions and snow in many parts of the country, this may be hard on your battery and the electrical system.
On a cold day, the engine in a car takes more effort to “turn over”, which puts extra strain on the battery and the starter motor.
What’s more, cold weather significantly affects how much electricity your battery can send out to the starter motor in the first place.
If you’ve noticed your car sounding reluctant to start in summer and autumn, consider buying a new battery now – before the car refuses to turn over on a frosty morning when you’re late for work.
You can buy a car battery and fit it at home, but most stockists will fit it for you. They might also check the “health” of your existing battery and tell you if it needs to be replaced.
Milica Cosic Today, 04:00
Is it illegal to have a headlight out?
Driving without proper working headlights is illegal.
Although you may feel that one headlight is enough to see on the road, you are at risk of driving with no visibility if the other goes out whilst you are in motion.
If you drive with one headlight you will be pulled over by the police and they will hand you a fixed penalty notice fine of ￡100.
This will not add points to your licence, but is intended as a warning to fix your headlights.
If this offence is challenged in court the fine could rise to ￡1,000.
Milica Cosic Today, 03:30
Why won't my car start in the cold?
Not unlike humans needing layers of clothes to brave low temperatures, cars also need a little preparation to get going.
When cars won't start, it's often because their engine oil has thickened in the cold, which increases friction and makes it harder for the starter motor to spin the engine.
Cold, damp weather can sometimes play havoc on batteries as vehicle electrical systems have to work a lot harder.
The RAC says the majority of their winter call-outs are to do with car batteries.
Milica Cosic Today, 03:00
How to drive safely in heavy rain and flooding
Driving in the rain can be dangerous and risky, so make sure you follow this advice and prepare your car in advance of your journey.
Before you set off, also be sure to check your windscreen wipers are working and your tyres have plenty of tread on them as a priority.
Heavy rain - The most important thing to remember when driving in rain is your stopping distance will be increased significantly.
Flooding - Wherever possible, you should always avoid driving over a flooded road. However, if the water is still, and no more than six inches deep, it's usually okay to drive slowly through it.
Aquaplaning - skidding on water - occurs when a wedge of water forms in front of the tyre and lifts it up off the road surface. If you feel your car losing grip with the road, gently ease off the accelerator but don't brake.
Milica Cosic Today, 02:30
Explained: Claiming compensation if gas or electricity is cut off because of snow
Households who have power cut off due to the snow could be due compensation from firms.
How much you can claim depends on how long the disruption lasts – and how severe the weather is.
According to Citizens Advice, if a power cut is caused by bad weather, you’ll be entitled to ￡70 compensation if you’re without power for 24 hours, with another ￡70 paid for each of the following 12 hours up to a maximum cap of ￡700.
In really bad weather, the time-limit is 48 hours before compensation kicks-in – a severe storm is defined by regulator Ofgem as causing more than 12 times the average daily number of faults.
Energy expert and ex-British Gas worker Lynsey Jones shares her tips for savings on bills.
Milica Cosic Today, 02:00
What to do if you find yourself aquaplaning
Aquaplaning - skidding on water - occurs when a wedge of water forms in front of the tyre and lifts it up off the road surface.
If you feel your car losing grip with the road, gently ease off the accelerator but don't brake.
Have a firm grip of the steering wheel and be sure not to make any sudden steering actions.
The car will eventually regain its grip as water clears from the road.
Milica Cosic Today, 01:30
Clean your windows and lights before driving in the snow
Every glass panel used to see from and even your head and tail lights need to be scrubbed of ice and condensation to ensure you are within the law.
The RAC says: “The Highway Code stipulates that if driving in adverse weather conditions you must, by law, be able to see out of every glass panel in your vehicle.
“This is supported by the section 41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988, meaning it is a legal requirement to have a clear view of the road ahead before you set off.
“Failure to do so could incur a fine, but more importantly could place your life, the lives of your passengers and the lives of those around you in danger.
“This also means ensuring your windscreen is de-iced on the outside and thoroughly demisted on the inside.”
Milica Cosic Today, 01:00
'DON'T drive in the rain like you would in the dry'
Rodney Kumar, spokesman for IAM RoadSmart, said: "Your car will take a lot longer to come to a stop in an emergency, so don’t drive the same way you would in the dry.
"Keep your speed down – many crashes in rain could be avoided if people didn’t drive at the speed as they might do in clear conditions.
"Use your headlights and get those tyres checked – they are your car’s only contact with the road, and grip is especially critical in the wet.
“A general rule of thumb for flooding is if the water is six inches or more deep (that’s half the length of a school ruler), then you should not drive through it.
"And finally, keep an eye out for pedestrians rushing to get to school or work – you might hate the rain, but they do even more.”
Milica Cosic Today, 00:30
Exceptionally mild in the coming days
Met Office forecaster Sarah Kent said: "The weather has been pretty topsy-turvy.
"We've had a white Christmas - and now we're going to see it get warmer.
"It's going to be exceptionally mild in the coming days and could be as high as 15C on New Year's Eve.
"If that's the case, then another record will fall."
Milica Cosic Today, 00:00
Tonight's weather
Initial showers and drizzle in parts of England and Northern Ireland will extend into large parts of England and Wales in the early hours of the morning.
Scotland will remain mostly dry with some isolated showers. A cloudy night for all.
Moderate winds in the South West of England, light elsewhere.
John Hall 27th Dec 2021, 23:30
Tomorrow's weather forecast
Showery rain will push eastwards across England, Wales and Scotland during the day.
Behind the rain there will be sunny spells and a few showers, with some dry conditions in Northern Ireland.
A strong Westerly breeze across the Midlands and Southern parts of England will make the air feel cooler.
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