Colder than Lapland as rain and snow see temperatures hit -4c

SCOTLAND was set to be colder than Lapland last night as winter tightens its grip and temperatures plunge to -4c.

Forecasters warned of potential travel problems this morning with snow on higher ground and wet conditions in the central belt.

Helen Roberts, of the Met Office, said that high ground above 1,900ft can expect up to four inches of snow by breakfast time. However, in lower-lying areas it will fall as rain.

A low of -4c was expected this morning, colder than the -3c at Kemi in Finland, bordering Lapland.

A surge of frigid air is expected again next weekend, with a cold front moving in from the Arctic.

Miss Roberts said: ‘It looks like the snow won’t settle below 1,300ft, so cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh will simply be wet.

‘Things are looking unsettled for the rest of the week, with repeated bands of rain coming in.

‘Northern parts of Scotland will hold on to colder air, so there is an increased risk of things turning wintry there.’

The forecast includes the prospect of snow in the North again for several nights this week, before Arctic air takes charge by next weekend, bringing plunging temperatures once again.

A surge of cold air will sweep right across Scotland from the north.

Parts of Scotland dropped to - 3c and -4c yesterday morning and frosts can be expected in areas affected by snowfall. Yesterday, Traffic Scotland used its Twitter feed to warn motorists of dangers posed by falling temperatures.

Drivers were also advised to ensure their vehicle is ready for winter, by checking their brakes, tyres, lights, batteries, wiper blades and windscreens before a journey.

Up to three inches of snow is predicted to fall in some areas of Scotland by midweek.

Ex-Met Office forecaster John Hammond, of forecasting firm weathertrending, said: ‘Forecast models suggest potential for several inches of snow across parts of Scotland by midweek.’

Met Office forecaster Mark Wilson said: ‘Lows down to -4c are forecast on Monday morning, coldest in Scotland.’

As the week progresses, the country can expect to see Atlantic gales as gusts around 60mph will affect the north and south by Thursday.

AccuWeather predicts up to 24 storms with wind gusts of over 50mph could hit the UK this winter.

Forecaster Tyler Roys said: ‘There were 23 wind storms in the stormy 2015-16 winter. Wind storm totals include storms named and not named by the Met Office.’

The Weather Company’s senior meteorologist Mark StephensRow said late November could see the mercury plunge further.

He said: ‘We may well see -10c or so later in the month in the North, and also in the South if there is any snow on the ground.’