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Crowds brave damp weather to see in 2013 Crowds brave damp weather to see in 2013
(about 4 hours later)
Crowds across the UK have risked the damp weather to see in 2013 at New Year's Eve events.Crowds across the UK have risked the damp weather to see in 2013 at New Year's Eve events.
About 250,000 people were in London to watch a spectacular fireworks display from the banks of the River Thames.About 250,000 people were in London to watch a spectacular fireworks display from the banks of the River Thames.
In Edinburgh, about 80,000 revellers saw in the new year with a fireworks display as part of the city's world-famous Hogmanay celebrations.In Edinburgh, about 80,000 revellers saw in the new year with a fireworks display as part of the city's world-famous Hogmanay celebrations.
And a fireworks display in Northern Ireland marked the start of the Derry-Londonderry 2013 City of Culture year.And a fireworks display in Northern Ireland marked the start of the Derry-Londonderry 2013 City of Culture year.
Earlier downpours dried up over much of the country in time for the celebrations - although rain continued in Scotland, Northern Ireland and eastern England.Earlier downpours dried up over much of the country in time for the celebrations - although rain continued in Scotland, Northern Ireland and eastern England.
Overnight, much of central London was closed to traffic, but the Tube ran all night and most public transport was free until 04:30 GMT.Overnight, much of central London was closed to traffic, but the Tube ran all night and most public transport was free until 04:30 GMT.
London Mayor Boris Johnson said the 11-minute fireworks display - which featured 12,500 fireworks and clips from the Olympic Games - rounded off a year that "glimmered with excitement and enthusiasm".London Mayor Boris Johnson said the 11-minute fireworks display - which featured 12,500 fireworks and clips from the Olympic Games - rounded off a year that "glimmered with excitement and enthusiasm".
Initial overnight figures suggest 12.9m people watched the display on BBC One.
In Edinburgh, Scottish rock band Simple Minds headlined the Concert in the Gardens, where they were joined by The View and Bwani Junction against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.In Edinburgh, Scottish rock band Simple Minds headlined the Concert in the Gardens, where they were joined by The View and Bwani Junction against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
In other developments:In other developments:
After days of flooding that brought parts of the UK to a standstill, river and groundwater levels are still high in many areas and there is a continued risk of localised flooding.After days of flooding that brought parts of the UK to a standstill, river and groundwater levels are still high in many areas and there is a continued risk of localised flooding.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency (EA) said: "Large rivers that respond slowly to rainfall, including the Thames, Trent and Severn, will continue rising through the next couple of days and high groundwater levels in southern England will continue to pose a risk to communities, particularly in Dorset."A spokesman for the Environment Agency (EA) said: "Large rivers that respond slowly to rainfall, including the Thames, Trent and Severn, will continue rising through the next couple of days and high groundwater levels in southern England will continue to pose a risk to communities, particularly in Dorset."
There are nearly 100 flood warnings - indicating that flooding is expected - in force in England and Wales. There are nearly double that number of flood alerts, which warn that flooding is possible.There are nearly 100 flood warnings - indicating that flooding is expected - in force in England and Wales. There are nearly double that number of flood alerts, which warn that flooding is possible.
In Scotland, there are nine flood warnings and seven alerts in place.In Scotland, there are nine flood warnings and seven alerts in place.
Forecasters said showers would die out on Tuesday evening, leaving the night dry across the UK, but more rain is expected in the early hours.Forecasters said showers would die out on Tuesday evening, leaving the night dry across the UK, but more rain is expected in the early hours.
About 540 properties have flooded since 19 December, while flood defences have protected more than 21,600 properties, the EA said.About 540 properties have flooded since 19 December, while flood defences have protected more than 21,600 properties, the EA said.
It said it had more than 800 staff working during the festive period shoring up flood defences, clearing blockages from watercourses, monitoring river levels closely and installing temporary flood defences.It said it had more than 800 staff working during the festive period shoring up flood defences, clearing blockages from watercourses, monitoring river levels closely and installing temporary flood defences.
Met Office figures show that 2012 will go down as one of the wettest years in the UK since records began in 1910, and it could yet be the wettest.Met Office figures show that 2012 will go down as one of the wettest years in the UK since records began in 1910, and it could yet be the wettest.
On Friday, the Met Office said 46mm (2in) of rain was needed to fall before 31 December to break the record for the UK, with 1,291.2mm (50in) having been recorded between 1 January and 26 December. Confirmation is expected later this week.On Friday, the Met Office said 46mm (2in) of rain was needed to fall before 31 December to break the record for the UK, with 1,291.2mm (50in) having been recorded between 1 January and 26 December. Confirmation is expected later this week.
A new record has already been set for England, with 1,095.8mm falling in 2012 up to Boxing Day.A new record has already been set for England, with 1,095.8mm falling in 2012 up to Boxing Day.
To access more information, from your mobile, visit the BBC Weather and BBC Travel News sites.To access more information, from your mobile, visit the BBC Weather and BBC Travel News sites.
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Map Key

  • Land
  • Cloud
  • Lakes, Rivers & Sea

Fog

Light Heavy

Frost

Light Heavy

Pressure Fronts

Cold Warm Occluded

Rain

Light Heavy Extreme

Snow

Light Heavy

Map Key

  • Land
  • Cloud
  • Lakes, Rivers & Sea

Fog

Light Heavy

Frost

Light Heavy

Pressure Fronts

Cold Warm Occluded

Rain

Light Heavy Extreme

Snow

Light Heavy
Temperature tab onlyTemperature tab only

Temperature (°C)

More details from BBC Weather

Temperature (°C)

More details from BBC Weather
How did you celebrate New Year's Eve? Please send us your comments and photos.How did you celebrate New Year's Eve? Please send us your comments and photos.
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