London’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks display lit up the city’s skyline at midnight, proceeding as planned despite severe weather warnings across the UK.
Heavy rain, strong winds, and snow caused disruptions in several parts of the country, with many December 31 events canceled for safety reasons. However, London Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed that the capital’s fireworks show would go ahead, calling it the largest in Europe.
“I’m really excited about the London New Year’s Eve fireworks. We’ve got hundreds of thousands of fireworks, an incredible light display, and a fantastic soundtrack tonight,” Khan told the PA news agency.
The Met Office had issued multiple weather warnings, including yellow alerts for snow and rain, affecting most regions from Monday through Wednesday. Snowfall of up to 20 cm was predicted for the Scottish Highlands, with blizzard conditions expected on high ground.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party and fireworks, along with displays in Blackpool, Newcastle, Ripon, and the Isle of Wight, were among the canceled events due to safety concerns.
Forecasters warned of winds reaching 60 mph across England and Wales, with gusts of up to 75 mph in coastal and hilly areas, raising the risk of flooding and travel disruptions.
The Environment Agency urged people to avoid swollen rivers and refrain from driving through floodwater. Despite these challenges, London’s New Year’s Eve celebration provided a moment of joy and reflection, ringing in 2025 with a spectacular display witnessed by thousands.
The turbulent weather is expected to continue into the new year, with warnings for wind, rain, and snow persisting on January 1.
