Scotland in for 'erratic' New Year's weather as rain and 'severe' snow on the way

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Scots are being advised to prepare for New Year's chaos as the Met Office is predicting "hazardous" snow and "heavy" rain to close out 2024.What started as a mild Christmas period is set to take a turn an "erratic" change as average temperatures and clear skies are to switch to rain, wind, and flurries of the white stuff.The Met Office has issued a new yellow warning for rain that could bring disruption in the build up to New Year's.

At the same time, its longrange forecast, which spans between Hogmanay and January 9, snow is also set to fall that will intensify by the first day of 2025.

The latest yellow alert will start on Monday, December 30, at midnight and last until midnight on Tuesday, December 31. Covering much of the north, widespread totals of 50 to 70mm are possible over the two days, with some places perhaps seeing 100 to 140mm of rain, most likely in the west.Flooding is a possibility especially in rural communities that risk becoming cut off, as fast moving floodwater may also cause traffic delays, as well as difficult driving conditions.

Power outages are also possible, while snow could lead to hazards on higher grounds.The long-range forecast predicts that snow will also be seen across Scotland which is to intensify as it moves southwards through the week, bringing snow and colder temperatures to other parts of the UK.It states: "Rain, stronger winds and some snow already across Scotland may on Tuesday become more severe and start to push southwards through the middle part of next week, bringing a chance of snow to other parts of the UK, along with colder conditions more widely."Looking further ahead, things are to become more settled by next week with a gradual return to near average temperatures,