Scotland’s weather: Snow warnings after record heatwave

THE MET Office has warned of snow across the country - just a week after record-breaking temperatures swept across the country.

Forecasts issued severe weather warnings of snow for most of the country on Monday going into Tuesday.

Forecasters said as much as 5-10cm (1.9-3.9 inches) of snow could fall in places, with 20cm (7.8 inches) expected on higher ground.

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The mercury could drop as low as -6C (21.2F) tonight and -8C (17.6F) tomorrow night.

It comes a week after record-breaking warm weather.

Temperatures rose to 23.6C (74.5F) in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire on March 27, marking a new high in Scotland for the month.

The UK also basked in the warmest March 26 on record when temperatures hit 22.9C (73.2F) in Aboyne, setting a new “date record”.

Forecasters said rain will turn to snow during the course of the day into the night and tomorrow.

Sally Webb, a forecaster with MeteoGroup UK, the weather division of the Press Association, said: “Today snow is likely in most areas north of Glasgow by 9pm. Overnight 5-10cm is likely in places and 20cm over higher ground.

“That will continue through Tuesday morning and will gradually move south, so parts of Glasgow and Edinburgh are likely to have snow and sleet during rush hour. That will gradually move south through the afternoon.”

She predicted temperatures will reach 5-7C (41-44.6F) in Scotland today and around 6C (42.8F) in Edinburgh on Tuesday.

The Met Office warned that roads may be icy tomorrow.

The Scottish Government said preparations are under way to cope with the weather and advised people to check travel bulletins.

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Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “In light of the Met Office warning for snow for many parts of Scotland, we have been in touch with trunk road operating companies to discuss their preparations and how they will monitor conditions at a local level.

“They are liaising closely with each other, the police, Transport Scotland, Traffic Scotland and other key partners. Snow is not necessarily unusual in April and our winter maintenance season runs to mid-May for good reasons.

“The Traffic Scotland website, variable message signs and traffic radio are being used to provide up-to-date information to the travelling public, allowing them to plan and amend their journeys accordingly.

“Frontline and patrol vehicles are being deployed across the network and on routes that are likely to be affected by snow. Gritters will continue to operate until the snow has passed and will be further supported by additional vehicles.

“The multi-agency response team has also been activated and will be fully operational until after tomorrow’s rush-hour period.”