Scots should brace themselves as snowfall is expected from today and could lead to widespread disruptions.
The Met Office has extended a yellow weather warnings for "frequent snow showers" as the country will see rain, sleet and snow from midnight on Monday, March 6, lasting until Wednesday, March 8. These conditions are set to last until the end of the week, as A second alert issued on Monday is warning of "heavy" snow in the south on Thursday, March 9, lasting until Friday March 10.
As Arctic air travels over the country, temperatures in the north may fall below minus 10C, as the region will see the highest volume of up to 10cm of snowfall, while lower levels will see between two and 5cm. A deep area of low pressure will then move across the UK resulting in 20cm of snowfall even at low levels from Thursday, with Scotland seeing the heaviest fall on Friday as elevated areas could get a staggering 40cm.
Forecasters are urging motorists to take caution when on the roads, as icy conditions may result in stranded vehicles. Wider travel delays are also predicted as some air and rail journeys may be cancelled.
There is a chance that more rural communities will be closed off, as well as possible power cuts which may affect services like mobile phone coverage. Pedestrians are also being urged to stay safe to avoid injuries from slips on icy roads.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Dan Suri said: “Snow, ice and low temperatures are the main themes of this week’s forecast, as the UK comes under the influence of an arctic maritime airmass as cold air moves in from the north.
“Snow is already falling in parts of the north where some travel disruption likely, as well as a chance of some rural communities being cut off. Snow showers will continue through today and Tuesday here, and Northern Ireland will also be subject to some snow showers, especially over high ground.
“Ice will provide an additional hazard for many with overnight low temperatures well below 0°C for many. Further south wintry hazards will develop with parts of England and Wales affected by icy patches and snow in places tonight and likely further snow in parts of the south early Wednesday.”
Here's what you need to know about Scotland's latest weather warnings, including how long they will last and areas affected.
Yellow weather warning for Scotland - Snow and ice
When: midnight on Monday, March 6 - until 10 am, Wednesday March 8.
A yellow weather warning is in place for snow which began at midnight, Monday March 6 and will last until midnight on Tuesday, March 7.
The Met Office said: "A band of rain, sleet and snow is expected to move south during Monday followed by frequent snow and hail showers. Whilst the highest accumulations of 5-10 cm are most likely over northern Scotland, there is a small chance of more organised and persistent spells of snow developing elsewhere in this area, and could bring 2 to 5 cm even at lower levels.
"Into Monday night, showers are expected to continue, and ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces where snow has melted by day."
Regions and local authorities affected
Central, Tayside & Fife
Grampian
Highlands & Eilean Siar
Orkney & Shetland
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Yellow weather warning for Scotland - Snow
When: 3am, Friday March 10 - until 6pm, Friday March 11
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow, which will begin early on Friday morning, lasting until Friday evening.
Forecaster reported: "Snow could develop quite widely across the warning area on Thursday and Friday as a potentially quite deep area of low pressure moves across the UK. Parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and northern England are currently expected to see the worst of the conditions on Thursday, with parts of Scotland and northern England then seeing the heaviest snow on Friday.
"Event totals could bring 5 to 10 cm of snow to many locations, even at low elevations, with potentially 15 to 20 cm accumulating across the northern portion of the warning area. Higher elevations of the North Pennines, Southern Uplands, higher parts of the Central Belt and the southern Highlands may see as much as 30 to 40 cm of snow in places.
"In addition, there is potential for strong winds, which may lead to blizzard conditions and drifting of lying snow."
What to expect
- There is a small chance that long delays and cancellations on bus, rail and air travel could occur
- There is a slight chance that roads may become blocked by deep snow, with many stranded vehicles and passengers
- There is a small chance that communities could be cut off for several days
- There is a small chance that long interruptions to power supplies and other services, such as gas, water, telephone and mobile phone coverage, may occur
Regions and local authorities affected
Central, Tayside & Fife
East Midlands
Grampian
Highlands & Eilean Siar
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Strathclyde
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