Scots set to shiver as sun heads south

Temperatures should barely hit double figures

SCOTLAND’S springtime will continue to stutter today while the south of england basks in summer-like weather.

Temperatures are expected to barely hit double figures despite the rest of the UK enjoying temperatures of almost 20C (68F).

The south of england is expected to enjoy a second day of sunny weather today, when temperatures could reach at least 17C (63F).

Only northern parts of Scotland are expected to hit double figures today following a wave of blizzard conditions and freezing temperatures earlier this week.

The weekend is also expected to bring heavy downpours across the country, with temperatures not expected to climb above 12C (53F).

Today’s weather is due to southerly winds bringing Mediterranean air northwards.

It is likely to make parts of england as warm as Barcelona, and almost as warm as the French riviera, where 18C (65F) is predicted in Nice. exacta Weather forecaster James Madden said: ‘Wintry showers will continue across Scotland through the coming days before the thaw sets in at the beginning of next week.

‘Wintry weather and snow will become confined to the far North of england and Scotland through the next few days.

‘The main story is that this week will bring drier and sunnier weather for many parts.’

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: ‘The sunny weather, enjoyed by most areas and likely to continue today in the South and east, is due to a ridge of high pressure bringing southerly winds.’

earlier this week, blizzard conditions sparked road closures and forced train and bus operators to cancel services in edinburgh, Perthshire and the highlands.

edinburgh Castle was forced to close for safety reasons as the capital was hit by heavy snowfall, while trains between Glasgow and edinburgh were cancelled and delayed.