The last week of 2024 was relatively calm with tranquil and occasionally foggy conditions over the southern and central parts of the North Sea. In the northern North Sea, more activity occurred with the passage of some periodic frontal troughs. 2025 will kick off with unsettled conditions on New Year’s Day.
An active low-pressure area will track ENE via Scotland and the northern North Sea on the last day of the year. The associated waving frontal trough is expected to pass on New Year's Day, particularly impacting the southern North Sea.
A strong gale is expected in Dover, Thames, Humber and the German Bight ahead of the front, with winds from the southwest. Maximum wind speeds are anticipated early on Wednesday. As a result, significant wave heights in this region will increase to approximately 5 meters.
Once the front moves eastward, a northwesterly flow will establish itself over the entire North Sea on Thursday. An active trough might move southeast across the North Sea early on Friday. Gale force winds are forecasted for the northern North Sea and for Fisher and the German Bight. The significant wave height is expected to increase to 6 meters in the northern North Sea.
During the weekend, a ridge of high pressure will bring temporarily calmer conditions, but new low-pressure areas are expected to disrupt the atmosphere again next week.
Conclusion
The start of 2025 is dynamic, with an active frontal trough crossing the southern North Sea on Wednesday and another affecting the region early on Friday. A ridge of high pressure may temporarily stabilize the atmosphere over the weekend, but new low-pressure activity is already anticipated for next week.
