Scotland and the rest of the UK could face a snow blast and freezing temperatures of -10C, according to a Met Office weather update.
The UK is set to see colder weather this week and onwards, reports the Mirror. Snow is also a possibility from today (February 22), as a new cold front brings freezing conditions.
However, it will be the Sudden Stratospheric Warning (SSW) that could bring chilling temperatures from next week. Maps from WXCharts show that the mercury could drop to -10C in Scotland. Snow flurries are set to fall across the nation from next week, the beginning of March, which could be more than 30 centimetres deep in central and northern Scotland.
READ MORE - Lorraine Kelly sent home from ITV show set as co-star rushed in to replace her
The Met Office has confirmed that there has been an SSW, with effects taking up to three weeks to impact the UK.
Forecaster Alex Deakin said: “Southern Stratospheric Warming is linked to the winds high up in the air, in the atmosphere, in the stratosphere above the North Pole, which most of the year go around in a westerly direction.
"Every now and again, every couple of years those winds flip direction and that’s what’s happened, it happened last week."
The expert added: "Colder weather is more likely, that is what SSW does it increases the chances of those slow moving weather patterns and increases the chances of high pressure close to the UK … it doesn’t always mean colder weather but it does increase the chances and it doesn’t definitely mean we are going to see some widespread problems from the colder weather.”
Alex said that the impact is still some time away from reaching its full peak - and the determining factor will be the position of the high pressure.
He continued: "The position of the high will be absolutely crucial as to whether we tap into really cold air or whether we just stay a little bit colder than average."
From today onwards, the forecaster said that there will be a noticeable change in the weather, with a mild period going into a new cold front. He said that people in higher ground in Scotland could expect some snow mixed with rain.
Alex said: "We could easily see some snow in the showers as Wednesday progresses over some of the higher routes.
“They are showers and so not expected to last but if you are travelling here during the course of Wednesday you might get hit by a sudden burst of snow on some of those higher routes.
"Then on Wednesday night as it gets colder it could also turn a little icy wherever we see the showers."
Read on below for a five-day forecast of Edinburgh, and what you should be expecting.
Today's forecast
Rain in the east continuing to clear away this morning, then mainly dry and bright with sunny spells developing. A colder day with a light northerly breeze. Maximum temperature 9 °C.
Tonight's forecast
All parts will have a dry night with long clear periods. It will be a cold night with a widespread frost and light winds. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
Thursday's forecast
Dry, sunny, frosty start to the day. It will become cloudy in the afternoon with a little rain in the Southwest during the evening. Freshening westerly winds. Maximum temperature 9 °C.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday
High pressure will bring a mostly dry few days with winds becoming light There will be sunny spells by day with frost at nights.
READ NEXT:
Harry and Meghan issue statement after 'appearance' on South Park
Tesco issues important Clubcard update that could change in-store shopping
Edinburgh eBay seller lists rare 50p coin for whopping £5,000 price tag
A Place in the Sun viewers notice 'red flag' with couple in opening minutes of show
Rod Stewart adds extra Edinburgh Castle date due to phenomenal ticket demand
