Dangerous winds are battering Scotland this week in a stormy spell that could be followed by snow.
A Met Office weather warning for wind has alerted Scots to the extent of the battering. In place from 8pm on Tuesday, it warns of the likelihood of 60mph gusts whilst speeds up to 80mph could pummel the northern coasts of the mainland.
It comes as independent meteorologists' prediction of future flurries. A bitterly cold polar vortex with -10C temps could give rise to snow, according to Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze.
The bout of strong winds is set to let up on Wednesday when the yellow warning ends at 10am.
Whilst northern Scotland is the subject of the warning, showery and gusty weather has made its way across Scotland. The Met Office reported "frequent and heavy" showers over Scotland with hail and thunder, accompanied by strong and gusty winds.
Following the gusts, some weather experts believe the weather could turn wintry.
Brian Gaze told the Express: "Computer models are suggesting that a weakening of the Stratospheric Polar Vortex (SPV) in the coming weeks could lead to an increasing chance of cold weather during February."
Meanwhile, the chances of a cold spell in February could depend on if there is a ""stratospheric warming" over the North Pole, as reported by the Mirror.
The Met Office have not outlined any prolonged periods of wintry weather next month in their latest long-range forecast, though some overnight frosts are expected.
UK five-day weather forecast
Very windy and showery in the north. Drier further south.
Today:
Cloud and light rain soon clearing southern England, then many southern and eastern areas dry with sunny spells. Showers in the north and west, frequent and heavy over Scotland with hail and thunder, and accompanied by strong and gusty winds.
Tonight:
Showers or longer spells of rain across the north and northwest. Windy, with severe gales affecting northern Scotland. Mostly dry with clear spells in the south and east.
Wednesday:
Spells of rain affecting Northern Ireland, southern Scotland and northern England. Sunny spells and showers across northern Scotland, whilst winds ease. Mostly dry and fine in the south.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Often unsettled in the north with periods of rain, occasionally heavy in the northwest. More settled elsewhere although cloudy at times with some light rain or drizzle near western coasts.
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