More snow on way, warn forecasters

THE LOTHIANS has experienced its first flakes of snow this winter, with weather forecasters predicting temperatures to drop below freezing tonight.

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There were reports of snowfall in various parts of East Lothian yesterday, with sleet and snow showers also predicted for Edinburgh over the next couple of days.

However, most of the snow is expected to hit East Lothian, where a weather warning has been issued for today.

Forecaster for the Met Office, John Hammond, said: "East Lothian could see between 2 and 5cm of snow in some areas.

"There will be more wintery weather across the Lothians today and tomorrow, and it is certainly turning colder as we go right through the weekend."

Temperatures across Edinburgh and the Lothians today are expected to reach no more than 4C, dropping to below freezing tonight, -1C or even -2C.

Mr Hammond added: "Most of the snow showers will be further east, out towards East Lothian and the Scottish Borders. Today there will be a chance of some sort of snow showers pushing through from time to time, although most of them are going to miss the Edinburgh area.

"It looks like the showers are going to be just to the east of the Lothians, so the chance of catching a wintery shower, sleet or snow is probably confined to high hills. But there will certainly be a wintery feel to the weather, even if it is dry."

The cold weather is set to continue at the weekend, with more snow forecast as well as cold winds from the North Sea.

"Whatever happens, it will be cold well into next week as well," said Mr Hammond.

Ian Robinson, also a forecaster for the Met Office, said there had been occasional snow showers yesterday in some parts of East Lothian, including North Berwick and Haddington, along with the Lammermuir Hills. He said: "The roads will become very icy, especially out towards the more exposed coast."

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham MSP said that dealing with last year's exceedingly cold winter, the chilliest since 1914, has left Scotland well prepared.

She said: "This year we are confident that we have planned well ahead, with councils reporting record levels of salt supplies and schools putting new closure alert systems in place for parents."