GET READY FOR MORE OF SAME

TODAY: Colder but brighter and drier than yesterday, especially in eastern Scotland. Showers in the west turning to heavy rain. Snow above 1,000ft, which will bring sleet to high-level roads in the Highlands.

Fresh to strong south-westerly winds. Severe gale to storm force winds gusting up to 70mph overnight in Caithness and Orkney. Maximum 8-9C, low 5-6C.

TOMORROW: Very windy, with storms across northern Scotland. Turning colder, with showers and snow over high ground, most frequent in the north and west. Drier in the east. Temperatures 8-9C, with overnight lows of 1-2C.

FRIDAY: A “respite” day, according to the Met Office. Dry and bright with sunshine but still breezy. Showers in the north and on the west coast, then becoming wet and windy as rain spreads across Scotland at night. Temperature 8-9C, dipping to 2C before rising again overnight to 5C.

SATURDAY: Bright and cold with showers, which will be heaviest in the north and west, falling as snow over higher ground. Fewer showers and more sunshine in the east. It will feel cold in the strong westerly wind. Maximum 7C, 2C overnight.