Parts of Scotland woke up to a blanket of snow this morning as flurries of the white stuff fell across the country yesterday.
The cold snap is set to continue as a Met Office yellow weather warning is in place for many parts of the country until 10am tomorrow morning.
The frosty turn, which is being powered by a blast of air from the Artic, comes a week after the start of spring and several days of unusually warm temperatures and sunshine.
Temperatures plummeted to -4C in the north overnight on Wednesday, while the south will also be hit by sub-zero chills.
Chilly conditions will continue throughout Thursday with highs of just 6C to 7C expected today across the central belt, according to the Met Office.
However, accumulations of snow at lower levels are unlikely to hang around for too long.
Forecasters expect the cold front to push south as we head through today with the risk of snow clearing by this evening.
The Met Office says that snow will become increasingly confined to higher ground, with rain more likely at low levels across Scotland.
One to 3cm of snowfall is possible in grounds about 200m and up to 5cm possible on grounds 300m above sea level, according to the Met Office.
However, an odd flurry of sleet or snow can’t be ruled out for lower levels as temperatures remain low, according to forecasters
Scotland is to be colder than Iceland over the next few days with bitterly cold temperatures of -8C in some parts.
The wintry conditions are expected to remain with unsettled weather continuing as we head into the weekend.
However, temperatures are expected to gradually recover to near-average over Saturday and Sunday and into the start of next week.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Helen Caughey said: “Cold and unsettled weather takes charge over much of the UK this week, as cold air is drawn in from the north, bringing with it the risk of rain, sleet and snow, and a widespread drop in temperatures."
The expert explained that wintry showers are to clear this morning with the main areas at risk of snowfall being higher ground in the north and east.
Met Office yellow weather warning for ice
Cold temperatures as well as possible snow and hail showers may lead to icy and dangerous conditions, according to the Met Office.
When?
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice that will fall into place at 9PM tonight -March 31 - and remain in place until 10AM tomorrow - April 1.
What to expect
- Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
- Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths
Regions and local authorities affected:
- Central, Tayside & Fife
- Angus
- Dundee
- Fife
- Perth and Kinross
Grampian
- Aberdeen
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
Highlands & Eilean Siar
- Highland
Orkney & Shetland
- Orkney Islands
- Shetland Islands
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
- East Lothian
- Edinburgh
- Midlothian Council
- Scottish Borders
Weekend weather forecast
Friday:
A sunny, frosty start for many but increasing cloud brings occasional rain, sleet and hill snow south through the middle of the day. Drier again later with sunny spells. Maximum temperature 8 °C.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Frosty start to a largely dry Saturday with some good sunny spells. Rather cloudy Sunday with a little rain at times, then a cloudy day Monday with outbreaks of rain.
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