Weather warning as blizzards strike

Published on 19/02/2012 00:00

NORTHERN Scotland was expected to wake up to a covering of snow today after blizzards hit parts of the UK

As much as 15cm of snow was forecast to fall on north Aberdeenshire, Moray and the northern Highlands last night with up to 10cm expected in Grampian.

Snow and high winds hit much of the north yesterday, with isolated flurries in central Scotland. At least one heavy goods vehicle jack-knifed on the A9 in Perthshire yesterday.

However, temperatures are expected to swing from sub-zero early this morning to unseasonally high double digit figures early this week.

The Met Office continued to issue yellow “be aware” warnings of snow for Orkney and Shetland, the Highlands, Grampian, Strathclyde, Tayside, Fife and central Scotland overnight. Icy patches were expected on many roads this morning but forecasters said to expect a thaw with warmer daytime temperatures of about 3-4C today. The brief cold snap will be followed by warmer temperatures, rising to an average of 8C tomorrow and at least 10C on Tuesday, but largely overcast and with rain showers.

Fraser Ralston, forecaster at the Met Office in Aberdeen, said: “After a bitterly cold Saturday night, with more or less everywhere sub-zero, we’re looking at day time temperatures of 3-4C on Sunday.

“On Sunday, snow showers are expected to become fewer in number, with dustings on the west coast and north-west Highlands. There will be some icy patches in the north and the west and there will be a slight thaw during the day.

“The main message is cold but bright with sunshine, particularly on the east coast.”