The Met Office has issued a significant weather warning for wind covering Christmas Day, putting a dampener on festive plans for many across the UK. A yellow-level alert is set to remain active for a substantial 20-hour period.
Warning Details and Timing
The warning comes into force at 4am on Christmas Day, 25th December 2025, and will stay in place until 11.59pm the same day. Forecasters warn that East to northeasterly winds will strengthen considerably, becoming strong and gusty.
Residents should brace for peak gusts of 45-55 mph widely, with even more severe conditions expected in specific locations. The Met Office specifically highlights that gusts could reach 55-65 mph along some exposed coasts and to the west of prominent hills.
Risk of Disruption and Power Blackouts
The forecaster has issued a stark alert about potential disruption to transport and power supplies, noting that the "more unusual wind direction" could increase the risks. This has raised concerns about possible localised power cuts or 'blackouts' in affected regions.
An additional hazard will be large waves on some coasts, posing a danger to anyone near the shoreline. The combination of high winds and coastal conditions makes this a multi-faceted weather threat.
Full List of Affected Areas
The yellow wind warning spans 26 local authority areas across South West England and Wales. The full list of regions under the alert is:
South West England:
- Bath and North East Somerset
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Isles of Scilly
- North Somerset
- Plymouth
- Somerset
- Torbay
Wales:
- Blaenau Gwent
- Bridgend
- Caerphilly
- Cardiff
- Carmarthenshire
- Ceredigion
- Conwy
- Gwynedd
- Isle of Anglesey
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Monmouthshire
- Neath Port Talbot
- Newport
- Powys
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Swansea
- Torfaen
- Vale of Glamorgan
Authorities are advising people in these regions to stay updated on the latest forecasts and to prepare for possible last-minute changes to Christmas travel plans. Securing loose outdoor items and having emergency supplies to hand is also recommended in case of power interruptions.
