As the New Year approached, stormy weather caused widespread disruptions to celebrations across northern Europe. In Germany, events on the islands of Sylt and Helgoland were canceled due to severe storms, with ferries between Cuxhaven and Helgoland also called off. The German Weather Service issued warnings of powerful gusts, particularly affecting coastal areas and highlands, such as the Harz mountains.
The UK's traditional Hogmanay festival in Edinburgh was similarly impacted by high winds and heavy rain, leading to event cancellations. The Met Office issued severe weather warnings, although London's fireworks display was still scheduled to proceed. In Denmark, rescue services advised caution with fireworks due to potential safety hazards posed by the storm.
Scandinavia also experienced adverse weather, with ferry cancellations and warnings against fireworks in coastal regions. The impact of the storm was felt in several parts of Germany, with Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony experiencing slippery conditions and high winds.
Despite the gloomy forecast in the north, southern regions of Germany enjoyed clearer skies, offering better conditions for fireworks displays. However, the risk of air pollution from firework-related fine dust remained a concern, especially in areas with stagnant air due to high fog.
As the New Year began, the stormy conditions persisted in the north, with warnings of strong winds and rain. Meanwhile, the southern parts of Germany experienced a milder start to the year, with sunny spells and drier weather. The contrasting weather patterns underscored the challenges faced by event organizers and revelers alike, highlighting the unpredictable nature of winter storms at the turn of the year.
