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Meteorologists are reporting a chilly commencement to the new year, with wintry precipitation expected across much of the UK. Celebrants are being urged to bundle up as bitterly cold temperatures are expected for New Year's Eve.

Celebratory Events Continue Despite Alerts

The Scottish capital's famous Hogmanay events are expected to proceed, unlike last year's postponement. This is in spite of weather alerts for snow in northern Scotland.

"A cold New Year's Eve night for those out celebrating, so extra layers will be necessary," stated the Met Office.

Celebrations Under Clear but Cold Skies

Elsewhere in the UK, the weather is set to be ideal for fireworks shows, with dry conditions and open skies. The mercury are due to be cold, meaning additional clothing vital, said forecasters.

Further north, conditions will be cloudier, but this is unlikely to affect visibility for seeing fireworks. "We are not looking at low cloud, mist or murk, so you should be able to see fireworks, just not stars," commented one forecaster.

Extensive Weather Alerts for New Year's Day

Moving into Friday, weather warnings have been issued across Northern Ireland and stretching from Wales, through the north-west, the West Midlands and reaching London and most of the south-east of England.

• Transport is expected to be impacted.
• The public are advised to plan for delays for travel on the road.
• Hold-ups and call-offs are expected on public transport.

Readings Set to Fall Even More

Going into the new year, it will be "frosty everywhere where you are," stated forecaster Simon Partridge. Conditions are forecast to fall even more as snowfall and high winds are expected to batter the north of the country.

Around 10cm of snow could accumulate to have settled in some areas by Friday morning, potentially hitting 30cm on the most elevated routes and peaks.

Public Health Warnings Activated

In addition, serious cold weather health warnings are in force for the north-east and north-west of England. These are set to stay active until noon on 5 January, with readings likely to fall to between 3C and 5C.

Officials said this indicated the weather could to trigger major effects across the NHS and care systems. This involves a potential rise in the fatality numbers among the elderly or unwell or those in the older age groups.

The advice for all is clear: to celebrate the new year in security, dressing for the cold is completely key.