Capital set for up to 5cm of snow tonight

Published on Thursday 3 January 2008 09:28

EDINBURGH was facing up to five centimetres of snow tonight as a widely-expected cold snap hits the Capital.

Snow was already falling in central Edinburgh and, more heavily, in Penicuik this morning.

Forecasters said they expect some higher ground in the Lothians to be under up to 10cm by the end of the day.

Police officers have warned drivers to take care on the roads, while the city council has mobilised 20 gritters.

Temperatures are likely to plunge below zero tonight while tomorrow is expected to be wetter and warmer.

A Met Office spokesman said: "There will be snow. There's not large amounts just yet, but there will be showers right through today.

"In the outskirts of the Lothians, over higher ground, it will reach 10cm and there will be between 2cm and 5cm in Edinburgh itself."

This time tomorrow will see the snow clearing away into rain."