Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
TAySIDE FOLK BRACED FOR FREEzING tEMPERAtuRES
TAYSIDERS woke up to sub-zero temperatures and a warning of snow today — and the chill is set to continue into tomorrow.
Snow was set to hit Dundee and much of Tayside today and Met Office forecasters predict the mercury will fall below freezing tomorrow.
The cold snap could see roads and railways affected by snow flurries — as many people prepare to travel for New Year festivities.
A yellow warning has been issued by the Met Office for snow and ice until 3pm today during which time up to 3cm of snow could fall.
The freeze could see the temperature feeling as cold as -4C.
But Dundee and Angus are likely to miss out on the worst of the snow.
The freezing conditions are being caused by returning polar maritime air.
Last night, temperatures across Scotland plummeted to below the record of -13C in Dalwhinnie on December 11.
Stuart Brooks of the Met Office said: “Last night was the coldest it has been this year.
“There were below freezing temperatures in most parts of Tayside and Angus.
“At present, this is the coldest it is going to get for the region.”
Patchy rain and snow will gradually fade out later today with icy stretches and frost bringing a minimum temperature of -1C overnight.
The overall temperature will reach 5C on Saturday, with hill snow expected to spread from the south-west in the morning.
Hill snow is also expected on Sunday but drier conditions and brightness will arrive during the day.
Mr Brooks added: “Saturday will also start off pretty cold — just below freezing — with some warnings being issued for ice.
“From what we’re seeing it looks as though there’s going to be some rain in the morning.
“There’s still some snow to come, which could be quite tricky for people travelling so there’s bound to be some delays expected. The lower level snow will disappear after that.
“We expect things to start improving on Sunday for New Year’s Eve so we don’t imagine that there will be too many issues in terms of travel on that day.
“We’re likely to see temperatures rise to about 6C and that temperature will reach around nine or 10C on Tuesday.”
The Scottish Government said that its emergency response resilience committee was ready to convene to assist with any issues.
Edmund King, president of the AA, warned drivers to plan ahead for any adverse weather before they travel over the New Year period.
He said: “Our AA patrols have been busy particularly with flat batteries as many drivers emerge from their Christmas hibernation when they haven’t used the car and now find it won’t start.
“Drivers should prepare their cars by checking windscreen wash fluid, tyre pressures and ensuring they have coats, food and drinks in their vehicles.”