Winter’s on its way as sleet, snow and ice sweep in
THIS may be the final day of British Summer Time, but brutal winter weather is to sweep across many parts of Scotland today.
The big chill comes only hours before the clocks go back at 2am tomorrow.
Met Office warnings have been issued for snow, sleet and ice, while overnight wintry showers mean many roads will be vulnerable to icy patches this morning.
Upland routes above 650ft could have slush gathering on roads, with higher routes above 1,300ft most likely to get lying snow.
In its first yellow warning of winter, the Met Office said roads
‘Take care when travelling’
could become ‘hazardous’, especially on untreated surfaces or where salt has been washed away.
Affected areas include Central, Tayside, Fife, Grampian, the Highlands and Islands, and parts of the Borders.
As well as dangerous conditions in these specific areas, forecasters warn there is a chance of frost or ice forming virtually anywhere north of the Border.
However, many inland areas sheltered from the wind should experience some bright – if not exactly warm – sunshine.
The Met Office’s chief meteorologist, Frank Saunders, said: ‘[Last night] and Saturday night could bring frost to sheltered areas anywhere in the UK, though the strong breeze will keep temperatures just above freezing in some parts.
‘Anywhere we see showers falling, together with temperatures close to zero, people will need to take care when travelling.’
Stein Connelly of Transport Scotland said: ‘These conditions may impact driving conditions in affected areas, particularly over higher routes.
‘We encourage motorists to plan their journeys ahead of time, follow any police travel advice and drive to the conditions.
‘Our operating companies have already started their winter service and will closely monitor the trunk road network, providing appropriate treatments where necessary.’
Snow fell on one of Scotland’s major ski resorts yesterday, covering CairnGorm Mountain.