sunday has wetter weather again on the cards for england and wales and some blustery winds. we could see some intense showers working their way through. the driest and brightest weather for sunday will be for scotland and northern ireland. and then on monday, we fall into a bit of a pincer movement in terms of our weather across the uk. we will see this weather front to the south trying to push some rain into this area of low pressure in the north, trying to turn things increasingly unsettled, between the two, some breezy conditions, but i think the best of any sunny spells are for the midlands, the north of england, but to the very south and very north of the uk, there could be some heavier, more persistent rain. a little cooler as well on monday, but temperature still slightly above average for the time of year. however, for tuesday, it looks like we are going to flip around and pick up a northerly wind and that will bring about a very dramatic change in the way things feel. you will have to add on the effect of the wind—chill, but temperatures in edinburgh just 4 degree

sunday has wetter weather again on the cards for england and wales and some blustery winds. we could see some intense showers working their way through. the driest and brightest weather for sunday will be for scotland and northern ireland. and then on monday, we fall into a bit of a pincer movement in terms of our weather across the uk. we will see this weather front to the south trying to push some rain into this area of low pressure in the north, trying to turn things increasingly unsettled, between the two, some breezy conditions, but i think the best of any sunny spells are for the midlands, the north of england, but to the very south and very north of the uk, there could be some heavier, more persistent rain. a little cooler as well on monday, but temperature still slightly above average for the time of year. however, for tuesday, it looks like we are going to flip around and pick up a northerly wind and that will bring about a very dramatic change in the way things feel. you will have to add on the effect of the wind—chill, but temperatures in edinburgh just 4 degree

scotland along with wales and northern _ quite happy. scotland along with wales and northern ireland - quite happy. scotland along withi wales and northern ireland have quite happy. scotland along with i wales and northern ireland have all introduced some covid restrictions over the festive period. and that makes border towns like carlisle even more appealing for a night out. there are a lot of both english and scottish people out enjoying themselves in carlisle to arrive. some of the scots admit they have come here on purpose to avoid restrictions back home. butjust walking up and down some of carla's busiest street people are telling us it is quieter than they would expect. the scottish government had asked people not to cross the border. ~ ., , ., _, ., border. where have you come from toda ? border. where have you come from today? glasgow — border. where have you come from today? glasgow. why _ border. where have you come from today? glasgow. why have - border. where have you come from today? glasgow. why have you - border. where h

sunday has wetter weather again on the cards for england and wales and some blustery winds. we could see some intense showers working their way through. the driest and brightest weather for sunday will be for scotland and northern ireland. and then on monday, we fall into a bit of a pincer movement in terms of our weather across the uk. we will see this weather front to the south trying to push some rain into this area of low pressure in the north, trying to turn things increasingly unsettled, between the two, some breezy conditions, but i think the best of any sunny spells are for the midlands, the north of england, but to the very south and very north of the uk, there could be some heavier, more persistent rain. a little cooler as well on monday, but temperature still slightly above average for the time of year. however, for tuesday, it looks like we are going to flip around and pick up a northerly wind and that will bring about a very dramatic change in the way things feel. you will have to add on the effect of the wind—chill, but temperatures in edinburgh just 4 degree

that meant wales were champions. drama that deserved an audience. the women's six nations, felt the impact even more. restructured, reorganised, the culmination an england, france final. wonderful stuff from england. good support in there from harrison. they cannot stop winning. they are champions again in 2021. england couldn't stop winning, and neither it seemed could rachael blackmore. never getting carried away. in april, she became the first female jockey to win the grand national. the gender thing was never an issue. i just carried forward. it was just such a special race. i'm absolutely honoured to be able to put my name beside it. at the crucible, the roar was finally back. the snooker championships became the first major british event to welcome back fans. raising the roof, champion mark selby. fans returning in football and revolting proposals for european super league sparked outrage. fan power won for now. manchester city are the premier league champions. one of those involved was manchester city. having won the league cup, they added a

in scotland, wales and northern ireland it was one in a0. infections doubled in a week in london. one in 15 tested positive. but there were big rises too in the north—west, yorkshire and the humber and west midlands. other regions weren't far behind. statisticians say infections are twice the level they were this time last winter in england because they're being fuelled by the more infectious 0micron variant. across all age groups we are seeing increases but particularly driven by those young age groups, we've seen increases among school—age children fairly recently, particularly from nursery through to primary. but we are now seeing infections among older age groups as well, so young adults from the mid—20s to the mid—30s, but spreading right the way up to increases now in the over 70s, although they remain the lowest group to be infected. there's more encouraging news on boosters. new uk data suggests a booster shot is 88% effective at preventing people ending up in hospital due to 0micron. after a huge push, all uk nations say they've hit the target of offering all adul

lots of dry weather and sunny spells, but this band of cloud will bring some rain eastwards out of wales and across england. the rain not particularly widespread, but it could be heavy at times, and some more heavy bursts of rain likely to develop into northern ireland and western scotland through the afternoon. but in between, many places dry, still quite windy and still extraordinarily mild, 13—16 degrees quite widely. now, it stays unsettled on sunday. a mix of sunny spells and showers or longer spells of rain, but a slight shift in the wind direction, now coming in from more of a westerly direction, so it won't be quite as mild. temperatures still above the average, butjust a little down on where they are at the moment. and as we move deeper into the new week, well, there is a bigger change on the way. it will still be unsettled, that's not going to change very much, low pressure still in charge. but as this low slides its way eastwards, it will open the door to a cold northerly wind. so, for tuesday and wednesday particularly, things will feel very different. single—digit temper

lots of dry weather and sunny spells, but this band of cloud will bring some rain eastwards out of wales and across england. the rain not particularly widespread, but it could be heavy at times, and some more heavy bursts of rain likely to develop into northern ireland and western scotland through the afternoon. but in between, many places dry, still quite windy and still extraordinarily mild, 13—16 degrees quite widely. now, it stays unsettled on sunday. a mix of sunny spells and showers or longer spells of rain, but a slight shift in the wind direction, now coming in for more of a westerly direction, so it won't be quite as mild. temperatures still above the average, butjust a little down on where they are at the moment. and as we move deeper into the new week, well, there is a bigger change on the way. it will still be unsettled, that's not going to change very much, low pressure still in charge. but as this low slides its way eastwards, it will open the door to a cold northerly wind. so, for tuesday and wednesday particularly, things will feel very different. single—digit tempera

just been hearing, restrictions are different across the uk and some party goers from scotland and wales may be crossing into england to celebrate. 0livia richwald is in carlisle for us. where i am standing in carlisle city centre 20 minutes drive to get to gretna on the scottish borders and carlisle is a vibrant city and it all ready attracts a lot of people, and people from dumfries and galloway are coming, and tonight will be no exception. this is one of the hospitality establishments, this place had a new year's eve party but they cancelled it before christmas because of worries over coronavirus. we can speak to the manager. why did you cancel the new year's eve party? too much uncertainty and we also had 250 people _ too much uncertainty and we also had 250 people booked and it was a bit difficult _ 250 people booked and it was a bit difficult to — 250 people booked and it was a bit difficult to manage the situation. we wanted safety for our staff, a lot of— we wanted safety for our staff, a lot of the — we wanted safety for our staff, a lot of the youngsters have only had one

england and wales, particularly further east, seeing spells of sunshine. the wind will be an increasing feature, increasingly windy especially up west. as we head through the evening many places will be dry but we see a band of rain working across northern ireland, into south—west scotland and north—west england by midnight, some could be quite heavy. confirmation of the extraordinarily high temperatures as we get to midnight. the wind continuing to pick up as well. gusts of up to a0 or 50 mph, pick up as well. gusts of up to a0 or50 mph, may be pick up as well. gusts of up to a0 or 50 mph, may be even strongerfor some exposed western coasts. as we start january the 1st, low pressure is in charge, moving to the north—west of the uk. lots of white lines and isobars are squeezing together showing we will still have brisk wind to take us through new year's day. one weatherfront, a band of cloud and rain working east out of wales into england, not necessarily widespread rain but it could be heavy elsewhere some spells of sunshine. it stays windy and extr

it's all banned in wales, _ some fireworks. it's all banned in wales, so— some fireworks. it's all banned in wales, so come up here and enjoy it. there _ wales, so come up here and enjoy it. there are _ wales, so come up here and enjoy it. there are no — wales, so come up here and enjoy it. there are no restrictions about crossing borders, but the scottish government is asking people not to, although many are still heading south to places like carlisle. for the first time since 2017, all four of big ben's dials will be on display to ring in 2022. more than 1000 pieces have been replaced or cleaned. 0ne 1000 pieces have been replaced or cleaned. one part of new year's eve thatis cleaned. one part of new year's eve that is making a welcome return. as we've just been hearing, restrictions are different across the uk and some party—goers from scotland and wales may be crossing into england to celebrate. 0livia richwald is in carlisle for us. maxine, from here in carlisle it takes just 20 minutes to get to gretna on the scottish border. this city has a really vibrant nightl

we england and wales and is it affecting you?— england and wales and is it affectin: ou? ~ ., , ., affecting you? we know several --eole affecting you? we know several peeple that _ affecting you? we know several people that have _ affecting you? we know several people that have planned - affecting you? we know several people that have planned to - affecting you? we know several people that have planned to go| people that have planned to go across to the borderjust so they can have the normal christmas experience that they can't get here because of the restrictions we are under. �* ., because of the restrictions we are under. �* . ., , ., because of the restrictions we are under. ~ . ., , ., ., under. and what has that meant in terms of the _ under. and what has that meant in terms of the business _ under. and what has that meant in terms of the business that - under. and what has that meant in terms of the business that you - under. and what has that meant in | terms of the business that you have lost their compared with businesses only a few miles away in england? i

wales has already loaned 4 million tests to england. health secretary sajid javid has pledged that the uk supply will be tripled early next year to 300 million per month. so, the message for tonight... take a test before any celebrations and kick off the new year in a cautious and sensible way. matt graveling, bbc news. firefighters north of the us city of denver in colorado are battling what has quickly become the most destructive wildfire in the modern history of the state. at least 300 homes have been destroyed, along with a hotel and a shopping centre. more than 30,000 people have had to evacuate, as well as patients and staff at one hospital. the us federal emergency management agency has released funds for disaster relief. get out while you can, was the message from rescue services in colorado. a state of emergency was declared as hundreds of homes were swallowed by flames and upwards of 30,000 residents were told to evacuate from the towns of superior and louisville near the rocky mountains. what are you taking with you? two kids

which is quite blustery at times to the south and west, but after the morning rain across england and wales, a good deal more in the way a brightness around. better chance of seeing some sunshine, some of the best you've seen in over two weeks. but across central parts of scotland we've still got cloudy outbreaks of rain, turning lighter and patchy and to the north of it some cool air but temperatures still above average. to the south we can see highs of around 16 or 17. as we go into this evening we've got that cloud and rain in the west returning with some outbreaks of rain. as we hit the midnight hour, many eastern areas certainly will be dry and look and the temperatures, nine to 13 celsius as we start 2022, a very warm start indeed. there will be some rain through the rest of the night across parts of northern england, scotland for a short while, followed on by some mist and fog patches into new years morning. but the temperatures as we start the day dropping back a little bit, compared with what we've seen in the nightjust gone gone but still a very mild day nonetheless. for new year'

wales has already loaned 4 million tests to england. health secretary sajid javid has pledged that the uk supply will be tripled early next year to 300 million per month. so, the message for tonight... take a test before any celebrations and kick off the new year in a cautious and sensible way. matt graveling, bbc news. firefighters north of the us city of denver in colorado are battling what has quickly become the most destructive wildfire in the modern history of the state. at least 300 homes have been destroyed, along with a hotel and a shopping centre. more than 30,000 people have had to evacuate as well as patients and staff at one hospital. the us federal emergency management agency has released funds for disaster relief. i'm joined now by chris coker from the ymca in northern colorado, who have been offering shelter to families that have had to evacuate. welcome, thanks for joining welcome, thanks forjoining us, how many families have you been sheltering there?— many families have you been sheltering there? many families have y

wales has already loaned 4 million tests to england. health secretary sajid javid has pledged the uk supply will be pledged that the uk supply will be tripled early next year to 300 million per month. so, the message for tonight — take a test before any celebrations and kick off the new year in a cautious and sensible way. matt graveling, bbc news. let's speak now to dr leyla hannbeck, chief executive of the association of independent multiple pharmacies, which represents small pharmacies. welcome, thank you forjoining us. so, what is the picture, then, in supplies of the lateral flow tester? we were just hearing that yesterday the government said 8 million would be distributed, our pharmacy is now stocked up? film. be distributed, our pharmacy is now stocked up?— stocked up? oh, the supply is still very patchy. _ stocked up? oh, the supply is still very patchy. and _ stocked up? oh, the supply is still very patchy. and it _ stocked up? oh, the supply is still very patchy, and it is _ stocked up? oh, the supply is still very patchy

upon you by the rules you have to abide by in wales?— to abide by in wales? it was a ainful to abide by in wales? it was a painful and — to abide by in wales? it was a painful and disappointing i to abide by in wales? it was a i painful and disappointing decision that the anyone to make with a couple —— with up to 50 people at one event. couple -- with up to 50 people at one event-— couple -- with up to 50 people at one event. ., .., ., :: ., , ., one event. you could have 50 and you could have tickets _ one event. you could have 50 and you could have tickets for _ one event. you could have 50 and you could have tickets for the _ one event. you could have 50 and you could have tickets for the event. i could have tickets for the event. you could run them but you chose not to. ~ , .., ., . ., to. we genuinely could not. we have been operating _ to. we genuinely could not. we have been operating for _ to. we genuinely could not. we have been operating for over— to. we genuinely could not. we have been operating for over ten - to. we genuinely could not

but tighter restrictions in scotland, northern ireland and wales mean celebrations will be muted. some people from scotland and wales are planning to cross the english border to avoid restrictions. we came up from bridgend to spend new year's eve in london. were hoping to come down here and some fireworks. the advice is to take a test before socialising. and today an extra eight million lateral flows should be supplied to pharmacies after complaints of shortages.

groups of no more than six comedian pubs in wales, nightclubs are closed and indoor gathering is limited to 30 people. forsome, indoor gathering is limited to 30 people. for some, they are taking their celebrations on the road, crossing the border into england.— into england. we've come up from other— into england. we've come up from other to _ into england. we've come up from other to spend - into england. we've come up from other to spend new - into england. we've come up i from other to spend new year's eve in london and hoping to come down here and see some fireworks and it is all banned in solid come over here and it. crossing the borderfor in solid come over here and it. crossing the border for new years is legal and while the welsh government is asking people to act conscientiously, the scottish government has urged people to travel to england to party. and there's still concerns over the availability of lateral flow test but the government has pledged that 8 million additional test will be delivered to pharmacies by today. wealth has already loaned 4 million test to england.

and actually, much of england, wales and northern ireland should see a bit more sunshine than we�*ve seen over recent days, so a drier, brighter feel. temperatures up to about 15, 16, possibly 17 celsius. just a little bit cooler across the northern half of scotland but there should be some sunshine here. now, we could well break some records. the warmest ever new year�*s eve was back ten years ago in 2011 — colwyn bay got to 14.8 celsius — so we are set to see temperatures probably a degree or so higher than that. heading through new year�*s eve night now. if you�*ve got plans, it�*s looking mostly dry, still very, very mild. could be some patchy rain across some northern and western areas as we see in the new year 2022 but new year�*s day once again looking very, very mild. we�*ve got this very narrow band of showery rain which is going to cross its way slowly eastwards, followed by sunshine and showers for many areas. showers mainly towards the north—west, so quite a bit of dry weather for new year�*s day on saturday and again, you�*ve guessed it, exceptional

and lateral flow tests become even more important from tomorrow in northern ireland and wales. as in england, people with covid will be able to end self—isolation earlier after seven days rather than ten, if they can get the tests and get two negative results. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. stay with us on bbc news. still to come: the james webb space telescope begins to unfold its sun shield in a complex process involving hundreds of moving parts. the most ambitious financial and political change ever attempted has got under way with the introduction of the euro. tomorrow in holland, we're going to use money we picked up in belgium today. and then we'll be in france and, again, it will be the same money. it's just got to be the way to go. george harrison, the former beatle, is recovering in hospital after being stabbed at his 0xfordshire home. a 33—year—old man from liverpool is being interviewed by police on suspicion of attempted murder. i think it was good. just good? no, fantastic! that's better! big ben bongs this is bbc world news. the latest headlines: more than 500

and actually much of england, wales and northern ireland should see a bit more sunshine than we've seen over recent days, so a drier, brighterfeel. temperatures up to about 15, 16, possibly 17 celsius. just a little bit cooler across the northern half of scotland, but there should be some sunshine here. now, we could well break some records. the warmest ever new year's eve was back ten years ago in 2011. colwyn bay got to 111.8 celsius, so we are set to see temperatures probably a degree or so higher than that. heading through new year's eve night now, if you've got plans, it's looking mostly dry, still very, very mild. could be some patchy rain across some northern and western areas as we see in the new year 2022. but new year's day once again looking very, very mild. we've got this very narrow band of showery rain which is going to cross its way slowly eastwards, followed by sunshine and showers for many areas. showers mainly towards the north—west, so quite a bit of dry weather for new year's day on saturday. and again, you've guessed it, exceptionally mild. 13—16 celsius for mos

and lateral flow tests become even more important from tomorrow in northern ireland and wales. as in england, people with covid will be able to end self—isolation earlier after seven days rather than ten, if they can get the tests and get two negative results. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. stay with us on bbc news. still to come: the james webb space telescope begins to unfold its sun shield in a complex process involving hundreds of moving parts. the most ambitious financial and political change ever attempted has got under way with the introduction of the euro. tomorrow in holland, we're going to use money we picked up in belgium today. and then we'll be in france and, again, it will be the same money. it's just got to be the way to go. george harrison, the former beatle, is recovering in hospital after being stabbed at his 0xfordshire home. a 33—year—old man from liverpool is being interviewed by police on suspicion of attempted murder. i think it was good. just good? no, fantastic! that's better! big ben bongs this is bbc news. our top story this hour: more than 500 ho

and actually much of england, wales and northern ireland should see a bit more sunshine than we've seen over recent days, so a drier, brighterfeel. temperatures up to about 15, i6, possibly i7 celsius. just a little bit cooler across the northern half of scotland, but there should be some sunshine here. now, we could well break some records. the warmest ever new year's eve was back ten years ago in 2011. colwyn bay got to 14.8 celsius, so we are set to see temperatures probably a degree or so higher than that. heading through new year's eve night now, if you've got plans, it's looking mostly dry, still very, very mild. could be some patchy rain across some northern and western areas as we see in the new year 2022. but new year's day once again looking very, very mild. we've got this very narrow band of showery rain which is going to cross its way slowly eastwards, followed by sunshine and showers for many areas. showers mainly towards the north—west, so quite a bit of dry weather for new year's day on saturday. and again, you've guessed it, exceptionally mild. 13—16 celsius for most

and a lateral flow tests become even more important from tomorrow in northern ireland and wales. as in england, people with covid will be able to end self—isolation earlier after seven days, rather than ten, if they can get the tests and get two negative results. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. israeli officials have approved a fourth dose of the coronavirus vaccine. the health ministry says a second booster shot will benefit people with weakened immune systems, who are more vulnerable to the 0micron variant. on thursday, the country reported the highest number of cases since september. in south africa, where the 0micron variant was first identified last month, authorities say all indicators suggest it has passed the peak of the fourth wave of infections. the government is lifting with immediate effect the curfew it imposed to combat the new variant. it's also easing other restrictions. dr mati hlatshwayo davis is director of health for the city of st louis. would you say it isn't too soon to say the fourth way is on the decline? ——it is too soon. it decline? --it is too soon.

plans for a big night out tomorrow have been put on hold in wales. it's masks on, two—metre distancing, table service and the big draw this new year's eve, elvis, has left the building. we were gutted, but i understand they're trying to keep the case down. they're not doing it for their own benefit, they are doing it for our benefit, really, the public. i've had covid, so i know what it is like. the changing rules have hit mark and chelly�*s business hard, because people have lots of other options close by. you've got liverpool and chester up the road, they're only a train ride away, which people do venture to. either way, we're the middle of... where they can party and we can't. you don't want to be stuck in a pub with quiet music, you want a bit of life on new year's eve. when i was young, i did. that aqueduct marks the border between england and wales, and like so many places along this winding border, it's just a short walk, or an even shorter taxi ride until you're on the english side, where the rules for pubs and clubs are much more relaxed

ministers in scotland and wales are urging people to think

and actually much of england, wales and northern ireland should see a bit more sunshine than we've seen over recent days, so a drier, brighter feel. temperatures up to about 15, 16, possibly i7 celsius. just a little bit cooler across the northern half of scotland, but there should be some sunshine here. now, we could well break some records. the warmest ever new year's eve was back ten years ago in 2011. colwyn bay got to 111.8 celsius, so we are set to see temperatures probably a degree or so higher than that. heading through new year's eve night now, if you've got plans, it's looking mostly dry, still very, very mild. could be some patchy rain across some northern and western areas as we see in the new year 2022. but new year's day once again looking very, very mild. we've got this very narrow band of showery rain which is going to cross its way slowly eastwards, followed by sunshine and showers for many areas. showers mainly towards the north west, so quite a bit of dry weather for new year's day on saturday. and again, you've guessed it, exceptionally mild. 13—16 celsius for most

and lateral flow tests become even more important from tomorrow in northern ireland and wales. as in england, people with covid will be able to end self isolation earlier after seven days, rather than ten, if they can get the tests and get two negative results. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. in south africa, where the first —— well in south africa—— where the omicron variant was first identified last month — authorities say all indicators suggest it has passed the peak of the fourth wave of infections. the government is lifting with immediate effect the curfew it imposed to combat the new variant. it's also easing other restrictions. the authorities said there had been an almost thirty percent drop in the number of new cases during the week ending on the twenty— fifth of december. stay with us on bbc news, still to come: the james webb space telescope begins to unfold its sunshield — in a complex process involving hundreds of moving parts. the most ambitious financial and political change ever attempted has got under way with the introduction of the euro. tomorrow,

and lateral flow tests become even more important from tomorrow in northern ireland and wales. as in england, people with covid will be able to end self isolation earlier after seven days, rather than ten, if they can get the tests and get two negative results. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. away from the pandemic, european countries will face new legal efforts next year, to try to make sure that global leaders stick to the promises they made at the cop26 climate summit in glasgow. the deal struck — which includes further reducing carbon emissions and using less coal — is not currently legally binding. 0ur europe correspondent nick beake has more. i'm sofia. i'm 16 years old. i'm andre. i'm 13 years old and we are suing 33 countries. it's pretty scary. yeah. _ it's not a joke. 0ne family's effort for the global good. brother and sister andre and sofia felt compelled to do something after devastating fires hit northern portugal four years ago. we actually saw people, like, suffering and dying on tv, and not that far away from us. in all, 66 people perished. scientists say clim

now, the previous warmest new year's eve was in 2011, where temperatures reached ilt.8 degrees in wales, so we're possibly going to beat that figure. it stays very mild into the evening if you are going to be seeing in the new year. this is the sort of weather we're expecting — some patchy rain for northern and western parts of the uk accompanied by a strong southerly wind, but that, of course, is keeping the mild air going. it will be a windy day for new year's day. we've got a band of rain to sneak its way eastwards which will be followed by brighter weather, some sunshine, but also some showers, heavy ones for western scotland and northern ireland. still very mild for new year's day, temperatures widely14—16 degrees. after saturday, after new year's day, the weather starts to change a bit because that really mild air is getting pushed away from the uk, and instead, our wind direction is more of a west to south—westerly wind. it will still be mild, butjust not as mild. and we've got some wetter weather developing on sunday as well, particularly across southern and western parts

plans for a big night out tomorrow have been put on hold in wales. it's masks on, two—metre distancing, table service and the big draw this new year's eve, elvis, has left the building. we were gutted, but i understand they're trying to keep the cases down. they're not doing it for their own benefit, they are doing it for our benefit, really, the public. i've had covid, so i know what it is like. the changing rules have hit mark and chelly�*s business hard, because people have lots of other options close by. you've got liverpool and chester up the road, they're only a train ride away, which people do venture to. either way, we're the middle of... where they can party and we can't. you don't want to be stuck in a pub with quiet music, you want a bit of life on new year's eve. when i was young, i did. that aqueduct marks the border between england and wales, and like so many places along this winding border, it'sjust a short walk, or an even shorter taxi ride until you're on the english side, where the rules for pubs and clubs are much more relaxed

now, the previous warmest new year's eve was in 2011, where temperatures reached 111.8 degrees in wales, so we're possibly going to beat that figure. it stays very mild into the evening if you are seeing in the new year. this is the sort of weather we're expecting — some patchy rain for northern and western parts of the uk, accompanied by a strong southerly wind, but that, of course, is keeping the mild air going. it will be a windy day for new year's day. we've got a band of rain to sneak its way eastwards which will be followed by brighter weather, some sunshine, but also some showers, heavy ones for western scotland and northern ireland. still very mild for new year's day, temperatures widely14—16 degrees. after saturday, after new year's day, the weather starts to change a bit because that really mild air is getting pushed away from the uk, and instead, ourwind direction is more of a west to southwesterly wind. it could still be mild, butjust not as mild. and we've got some wetter weather developing on sunday as well, particularly across southern and western parts of the uk. sho

and southern scotland, and we will see rain sweeping eastwards across others�* parts of england and wales. that�*ll be helped along by some blustery winds which will keep it mild. temperatures not falling much, exceptin mild. temperatures not falling much, except in northern scotland, where we have clear skies and it�*s a bit chillier. that rain in east anglia on the southeast scoops away from any parts and it will turn drier and brighter. we still have the cloud across central and southern scotland. range and patchy into the afternoon. still going to be mild in the central belt. possibly 17 degrees in east anglia on the southeast of england. the previous, warmest new year�*s eve was in 2011, where temperatures reached 111.8 celsius. it stays very mild into the evening if you will be seeing in the new year. this is the weather we�*re expecting. patchy rain accompanied by a strong southerly wind, but that of course is going to be the mild air going. we�*ve got a band of rain to sneak its way eastwards which will be followed by brighter weather, some sunshine and some showers. hea

and lateral flow tests become even more important from tomorrow in northern ireland and wales. as in england, people with covid will be able to end self isolation earlier after seven days, rather than ten, if they can get the tests and get two negative results. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. let's get the latest on hospital admissions in england. 0ur health correspondent jim reed joins me now. can you break those figures down? normally every day we get daily data that gets published at around four o'clock each afternoon and we still have not had that for today for whatever reason, the christmas period, we are waiting for that, delayed for another 30 minutes. but we have information about hospital numbers in england and they are important because we have seen what has happened in south africa where this wave of 0micron appears to be receding without a huge increase in hospitalisations and deaths. is that same pattern going to be repeated elsewhere in the uk and europe? we have a much more elderly, vulnerable population than in south africa. today we saw another big increase in adm

in the uk — northern ireland and wales are cutting the isolation period for people with covid from ten days to seven, bringing them into line with england. the change will take effect tomorrow. and afghanistan's former president defends his decision to flee the countryjust before the taliban take—over, saying he did it to prevent the destruction of kabul. now on bbc news, it's time foryourworld: life at 50 degrees centigrade. in episode four, we see how lives have been dramatically altered in mexico and australia by global warming. surface temperatures at the moment, somewhere between 87 and 95 degrees. so many people don't think that climate change is real. itjust was extremely hot, and everyone was starting to get worried, day by day, until it happened. temperatures will climb well into the 40s, making conditions even worse on our fire grounds. the footage that i took of the fire was shot on the gopro that i had actually got for christmas five days before the event. it was on a very hot day to begin with, so that made the fire, i think, a lot more aggressive. in the afternoon, i go

we also see some rain pushing eastwards across england and wales during the night. still quite breezy for many parts of the country, very mild for the most part as well, bit colder in wales and scotland with the clearer skies. tomorrow, the back of the rain early run in east anglia and the south—east, many parts brightening up with some some train coming through. the wind is not as strong. we still have the rain affecting central southern scotland and the far north of england. it uses up in the afternoon but still damp and cloudy. still very mild once again, temperatures of 13 in the central belt of scotland, 16 or 17 in east anglia. into the evening, seeing in the new year, they could be patchy rain across the north and west of the uk, many places. dry and west of the uk, many places. dry and we still have the exceptionally mild air in place as we head into the new year. new year's day, still some rain, the band of rain should not last too long, pushing eastwards and then we will brighten up from the west with sunshine later in the day seeing showers arrive in we

you see a short burst of rain pushing east across england and wales later in the night. still quite breezy for many parts of the country, very mild for the most part. colder in northern scotland where we have clear skies. tomorrow we see the back of that rain early on in east anglia and the south—east, many parts of the country brightening with some sunshine coming through, the winds not as strong. we still have this rain affecting central and southern scotland, the far north of england, tending to ease in the afternoon, still damp and cloudy for these areas but still very mild, temperatures 13 in the central belt of scotland, 16 or 17 in east anglia and the south—east. heading further into the evening, as you see in the new year there could be some patchy rain across the north and west of the uk, many places starting dry and we still have this exceptionally mild air in place as we head into the new year. new year's day, still some rain, that band of rain shouldn't last too long, pushing eastwards, then it brightens up in the west, sunshine later in the day, you star

in wales, labour remained in charge, agreeing a co—operation deal with plaid cymru. a great pleasure to have the opportunity to sign, formally, the agreement between our two parties. as northern ireland celebrated its centenary year, arlene foster stepped down as the leader of the dup. can you tell us what happened in there? did you face a motion of no confidence? are you still the leader of the party? her successor edwin poots lasted just 21 days. then the mp sirjeffrey donaldson took over. in may, dominic cummings, who quit as a number 10 aide in late 2020, made an explosive return to the headlines. in a marathon session at a parliamentary committee looking into the pandemic, the prime minister's former advisor accused his old boss of a list of serious failures. he described it as the new swine flu. did you tell him it wasn't? certainly, but the view of various officials inside number 10 was that if we have the prime minister chairing cobra meetings and hejust tells everyone it is swine flu, "don't worry, i'll have chris whitty injecting me live on tv with coronavi

in england and wales, there were 33 fewer deaths with coronavirus in the latest recorded week, according to the the office for national statistics. it's the lowest number of deaths since the middle of october. the number of deaths involving covid—19 has now been falling since the mid—november. however the ons says the number of deaths in total in the uk was 14% above the five—year average. meanwhile coronavirus surge hubs are being set up at nhs at hospitals in england to deal with a potential increase in admissions, caused by record daily cases of the omicron coronavirus variant. eight sites will be able to treat around 100 patients each. at the same time the health secretary, sajid javid, says the supply of lateral flow tests will be tripled injanuary and february, in a bid to combat shortages. joining me now to talk about how the health service is preparing to cope is chris hopson, chief executive of nhs providers. thank you very much forjoining us on bbc news. in the previous stages of the pandemic, we saw so—called nightingale hospital is set up which didn't get used, it app

this rain is really gathering pace across wales, heading to the north west of england. that could push into parts of northern ireland on the south—west of scotland by the end of the day. a very mild, though. those temperatures are 12 to 15 degrees once again today. through this evening and overnight, the rain continues northwards, getting up into the central belt of scotland. some heavier rain for northern ireland. then we see this shorter, sharper burst of rain sweeping eastwards across england and wales, driven by some quite strong wind once again. temperatures really won't drop an awful lot overnight. another very mild night. except in the far north of scotland, where we have clearer skies. the rain soon clears away from east anglia and the south—east tomorrow morning. for many parts of the country it will brighten up, a little bit of sunshine perhaps. we still have some rain across central and southern scotland, northern ireland for a while in the far north of england. it tends to ease off, but these areas look like staying quite cloudy. still on the cooler side

heaviest into the afternoon across north and west wales, spreading into parts of greater manchester, merseyside, may be across towards yorkshire, as well. north of that, we will have some sunny spells and one or two showers. temperatures a fair few degrees above normal. but to the south, even with some patchy drizzle and cloud, we could hit 16 or 17 degrees. and that very mild story continues tonight. we see some heavy showers working their way eastwards across england and wales, and the most persistent rain into southern scotland, northern ireland, northern england by the end of the night. a little bit cooler to the north of that, but another exceptionally mild night and exceptionally mild day, potentially a record—breaking day on new year's eve, one of the warmest on record. rain in the morning across southern scotland, northern england, northern ireland turns lighter and patchier through the day. to the south of it, some sunny spells, a bit more than we will see today. some sunny spells, a bit cooler further north. but overall, into the midnight hour, it will be exceptionally mi

patch of heavy, maybe thundery showers, working eastwards through england and wales. another very mild night for the most part, although the far north of scotland will be a bit full of. here, we've got some sunshine to start new year's eve. southern scotland, northern ireland, far north of england, fairly cloudy, outbreaks of rain, heaviest in the morning. lighter in the afternoon. better chance of some sunshine across the rest of england and wales, and that bit of sunshine will lift temperatures again close to 16-17, lift temperatures again close to 16—17, potentially making it the warmest new year's eve on record. hello. if you've already been out this morning, you will already be aware that it's another very mild morning out there, exceptionally mild across the country, as it will be for a few days yet. tempered a little bit at times by quite a blustery wind. that is at its strongest today to the south and the west of the country, but it's coming in from a south—westerly direction, all the way from the mid—atlantic, madeira, the azores, towards our shores. wh

tighter restrictions remained in wales, scotland and northern ireland, and in december, england reintroduced some rules, moving to its so—called plan b, and as omicron cases began to rise, so, too, did cancellations. many hospitality firms reported a slump in christmas bookings as fears of a new wave of infection convinced customers to stay at home. michael represents the night—time industries, bars, music venues and nightclubs, and he told me firms had learned to adapt, but many struggled to stay open. as you can understand, there were so many confusing guidelines and rules, even things where the local authorities and police were really struggling to interpret, so, for an industry that had been somewhat beleaguered, it was a very difficult time, especially economically, they were struggling. but in terms of the culture side of things and venues and nightclubs, once they were given the opportunity, they were out of the blocks because some of those youngsters were starved of those social environments and they could go out and enjoy. there were 850,000 new 18—year—olds who came of age

one or to showers continuing to sustain wet in wales. the rain will slide back into other areas of northern england. we will see the mildest of conditions by 16, 17 possible. the warmest december on record possible. tonight the mastery continues. the exception as parts of northern scotland with clear skies. rain in southern scotland, northern ireland, england and may the odd rumble of thunder pushing a stomach would be another mild night. for new year's eve we had got cloudy outbreaks of rain in the south of scotland, northern ireland and northern england. rain returns to the west later. more sunshine in england and wales with clear skies through the night. temperatures still on the exceptionally mild side. that is how it is looking. back to you both stop if you are outdoors, not bad at all. eight temporary covid hubs are to be set up at hospitals across england in preparation for a potential wave of 0micron admissions. nhs england says each site will have capacity for around 100 patients, and there are also plans to identify a further 4

but later in the day, we'll see another pulse of heavier rain working into wales, and that is likely to reach north—west england as we head into thursday afternoon. temperatures, well, 13 degrees in glasgow and belfast. that's very mild. 16 again the top temperature in london. we could see a high up to 17. thursday night, outbreaks of rain will become much more extensive as this area of low pressure moves in. it will also be bringing some strong gusts of wind quite widely. and into new year's eve, friday, that rain is going to be there for much of the day in scotland, with some fairly brisk winds elsewhere. again, there will be a lot of cloud around, an occasional spot of drizzle across western area, and those temperatures still reaching 16, possibly 17, in the warmest areas. still mild further northwards, butjust not quite as exceptional. heading to those new year's celebrations, might be a bit more muted for one or two of you, but it stays exceptionally mild. a bit of rain, though, is in the forecast across northwestern areas. and as those bell strike midnight, these are the kind

but later in the day, we'll see another pulse of heavier rain working into wales, and that is likely to reach northwest england as we head into thursday afternoon. temperatures, well, 13 degrees in glasgow and belfast. that's very mild. 16 again the top temperature in london. we could see a high up to 17. thursday night, outbreaks of rain will become much more extensive as this area of low pressure moves in. it will also be bringing some strong gusts of wind quite widely. and into new year's eve, friday, that rain is going to be there for much of the day in scotland, with some fairly brisk winds elsewhere. again, there will be a lot of cloud around, an occasional spot of drizzle across western area, and those temperatures still reaching 16, possibly 17, in the warmest areas. still mild further northwards, butjust not quite as exceptional. heading to those new year's celebrations, might be a bit more muted for one or two of you, but it stays exceptionally mild. a bit of rain, though, is in the forecast across northwestern areas. and as those bell strike midnight, these are the kind of

but still those high temperatures across england and wales and northern ireland in particular. and why is it so mild? because the air is coming from the tropics, all the way from the south, those southerly winds bringing the higher temperatures and a lot of cloud our way ahead of these weather fronts and areas of low pressure that's focusing the rain in the north—west as we head into the new year. so new year's eve, into new year's day, there could be some rain. that's more likely in the north—west, but it will be exceptionally mild to start the new year. we've got that rain, more towards scotland, northern ireland, perhaps the north—west of england, north wales. it does sweep north—eastwards during new year's day, allowing things to brighten up with some showers in the west, some sunshine too — very mild. i think it's going to be a windy day, though, during saturday, but very mild start to the year. now let's look further ahead and into sunday, we've got some more rain around as well. one area of rain from overnight clears through, and then showers and longer spells

we will see the cloud thickening to bring some rain back into the southwest, into wales, perhaps the west midlands. ahead of that, though, could be some sunshine for eastern scotland and the northeast of england. quite a windy day again during tomorrow, very mild, of course, much milder than today across northern scotland where it's also going to be drier than it's been today as well. we will see rain pushing northwards and eastwards overnight. that should be tending to move away during friday. could lingerfor a while in southern scotland and the northeast of england, but the trend is for it to become drier and brighter on friday, and the winds will start to ease down as well. still very mild, not quite as mild, perhaps, in scotland on friday, but 16—17 celsius towards the southeast and east anglia. why is it so mild? it's because the air is coming all the way from the tropics, these southerly winds bringing in higher temperatures, a lot of cloud, ahead of these weather fronts, an area of low pressure that's focusing the wet weather more towards the northwest of the uk. you are goi