Key Takeaways:
• New Zealand, one of the world’s first countries to celebrate new year, puts on a stunning fireworks display to welcome 2025.
• Kiribati, located in Oceania, was the first country in the world to step into 2025.
• The last to celebrate the New Year will be the uninhabited islands of Baker and Howland.
• Due to adverse weather conditions, several UK events, including Edinburgh’s much-awaited Hogmanay celebrations, have been cancelled.
• London’s City Hall keeps a close eye on the weather forecast, with high winds predicted around the time of their sold-out fireworks display.
Welcoming the New Year in New Zealand
New Zealand ushered in 2025 with a remarkable fireworks display that lit up the night sky over the Auckland Sky Tower on New Year’s Eve. A spectacle enjoyed by thousands in attendance, the glimmering display also marked the nation as one of the initial countries in the world to step into the new year.
Global New Year Celebrations
While nations worldwide prepare splendid celebrations to bid adieu to 2024, the island nation of Kiribati in Oceania had the distinction of being the first country to enter 2025. The final nations welcoming the new year will be the uninhabited islands of Baker and Howland. Intriguingly, by the time Baker Island rings in the New Year, it will already be 2 January 2025 for the rest of the world.
UK’s Weather Troubles Affect New Year Plans
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, adverse weather conditions poured water on some of the planned festivities. These unfortunate circumstances led to the cancellation of several New Year’s Eve events, including Edinburgh’s iconic Hogmanay celebrations.
The outdoor events for the city’s New Year celebrations, including the street party and fireworks display, were scrapped. Organisers of the traditionally grand affair expressed their disappointment regarding the unexpected cancellation announced on Monday afternoon. The nation, undeterred by the weather, continues to look forward to other planned celebrations.
London Monitors Weather Ahead of Sold-Out Fireworks Display
In another corner of the UK, London’s City Hall is keeping a watchful eye on the weather forecast before the capital’s eagerly awaited, and fully booked, fireworks display. The anticipation is flavored with caution, as wind gusts are predicted to reach up to 41mph as midnight draws near.
While the world ushers in 2025 with celebrations big and small, adverse weather conditions serve as a sobering reminder of nature’s power. Despite this, the spirit of the New Year remains undefeated, with people globally ready to welcome 2025, come rain or shine.
As they say, the show must go on. Here’s hoping the coming year rings in a season of good fortune, prosperity, and favorable weather, allowing for many more spectacular and undisturbed public displays. Happy New Year!