London's Big Ben at the start of a New Year
New Year’s Eve on Friday could be the mildest on record, forecasters predict

Britain will ring in 2022 on what could be the warmest New Year’s Eve in history, forecasters say.

The previous record of 14.8C, measured in Colwyn Bay, north Wales, is set to be matched and could be beaten on Friday night.  

The warmer weather prediction is welcome news for people planning to celebrate the New Year in England – as it emerged today Boris Johnson is not expected to tighten Covid restrictions in England after reviewing the latest data.

However, new measures have been introduced across the rest of the UK – with the rule of six to return for groups meeting in cinemas, pubs and restaurants in Wales.

In Scotland, table service will be required at venues where alcohol is served, including nightclubs.

And in Northern Ireland, nightclubs have been temporarily closed and indoor standing events are no longer permitted.

Met Office meteorologist, Greg Dewhurst, said of the forecast for Friday: ‘The record is 14.8C on New Year’s Eve and that was in 2011, temperatures look like they’ll be 14 to 15C (57.2-59F) so it is possible that temperatures could be that value.’

The weather throughout the week will be ‘on the mild side’ with above average temperatures, he said. ‘

It follows some parts of the UK including Yorkshire and Scotland enjoying a white Christmas.

Mr Dewhurst added: ‘We’re going to see across the whole of the country, through the rest of this week, temperatures that are above average for this time of year.

‘The average temperature in the UK around this time of year should be around 7-8C.

‘Going forward, we’re looking at highs of around 12-14C, possibly locally 15C in one or two spots, so it’s going to be well above average.’

But sadly, the rising temperatures will not be accompanied by spells of unseasonable sunshine.

A woman walks her dog through the snow at Slayley in Northumberland. Parts of England from the East Midlands to the North-East have joined Scotland in preparing for blizzard-like conditions on Boxing Day as the white Christmas continues. Picture date: Sunday December 26, 2021. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
Caption: A woman walks her dog through the snow at Slayley in Northumberland on Boxing Day (Picture: PA)

‘It isn’t going to be blue skies all week,’ the Met forecaster warned.

‘There’s going to be cloud at times as well as strong winds and heavy rain, particularly across the North and the West of the UK.

‘This is all being driven by low pressure systems moving across the Atlantic and bringing in the milder air and wet weather.’

Gale force winds could arrive in the South and the West later in the week, although there are currently no weather warnings in place.