After what has been one of the hottest summers on record, and with drought conditions over parts of the UK, some people will receive a nasty shock next week as cold air arrives. The Met Office says snow could even fall on higher ground in Scotland.
In fact, snow briefly fell in the Cairngorms and eastern Highlands late last week. It is not unusual for Scottish mountains to turn wintry in September, although it is only a few weeks since the UK was experiencing record temperatures.
Met Office forecaster Annie Shuttleworth said: “From Monday there are some signals of some snow showers over the hills in Scotland, fairly typical for the time of year. We’re not expecting snow in any low lying areas. Or any disruption from it.”
Temperatures are expected to recover from midweek. Then it's a case of wet and windy conditions for the north and west of the UK.
Shuttleworth added: “It’s relatively short-lived and small risk, nothing that will be too disruptive or that’s unusual.” She said there may also be an overnight risk of frost in northern parts of Scotland early next week, though it will feel warm enough in the day.
How much snow does Scotland get?
Visit Scotland says : “The average number of days with snow falling in Scotland ranges from 15 to 20 days. However, the peaks and mountains of the Highlands experience around 100 days of falling snow.”
The Met Office says : “Statistically, the snowiest place in the UK is the Cairngorms in Scotland, with 76.2 days of snow or sleet falling on average.” The UK as a whole gets on average 23.7 days of snowfall or sleet a year (information based on 1981-2010).
When is the Scottish ski season?
The ski season usually runs from December through to early April, but this varies depending on snowfall. The main skiing areas are Glenshee, Glencoe, The Lecht, Nevis Range and Cairngorm.
