Cold blasts all round as winter creeps in
SCOTLAND has experienced its first blast of autumn as 100mph gales struck parts of the North and temperatures plunged across the country.
Nearly four inches of snow fell on some peaks as a ridge of low pressure from the Arctic brought about a dramatic shift in weather patterns.
And as ferocious winds battered the Highlands yesterday, the mercury plummeted from a high of 67f (19. c) in Aberdeen to only 4 f (7c) overnight.
Night-time temperatures in both Glasgow and Edinburgh plunged to only 36f (2c).
Weather experts have warned Scots to expect the cold snap to last until the weekend, with a serious risk of frost in isolated areas.
The East Coast is likely to bear the brunt of the gale force northerly winds today. Some sea defences could be breached by high waves causing flooding.
But the news will be music to the ears of more than 110,000 lucky Scots planning to escape to warmer shores.
Francois Bourienne, Glasgow Airport’s commercial director, said: ‘The October holiday weekend is the busiest of the year for
‘A definite chill factor’
our airlines, and for many travellers, their holiday begins the moment they arrive at the airport.’
For those staying at home, the Met Office predicted average day-time temperatures of around
f (13c), although clear evening skies will send the mercury tumbling.
A Met Office spokesman said: ‘By and large, Scots have got off rather lightly as it has been much milder than normal for this time of year. This has changed significantly in the last 24 hours as a result of this blast from the north which has brought with it a definite chill factor.’
While 100mph-plus gusts battered the mountain tops, winds were less fierce in heavily populated areas.
Met Office forecaster Laura Young said: ‘Wednesday felt much colder with gales, and heavy rain and hill snow in northern Scotland. Everywhere will be cold on Thursday, with strong winds and gales. It will stay cold and windy from Friday to Sunday.’
The BBC reported that almost four inches (10cm) of snow fell in the Grampians last night, the first significant fall. STV weatherman Sean Batty said: ‘Winds will gust to over 100mph on mountains, with blizzards.’