Weather in Scotland: Country braces itself for amber and yellow snow warnings

As amber and yellow warnings of snow and ice come into force across northern Scotland in the next few days, with potential ‘blizzard conditions’, transport services warn people to travel only when ‘absolutely necessary’.

Amber and yellow warnings come into place across Scotland (Photo: Andrew Milligan and Met Office).

Periods of snow, heavy at times, will affect much of inland central and northern Scotland through Thursday, Friday and into Saturday, mainly on high ground, according to the Met Office.

Various weather warnings of snow have been issued, with a yellow warning coming into effect in many areas of northern Scotland today to last until midday on Saturday.

The yellow warning of snow has recently been shrunk by the Met Office, removing southern parts of Scotland as well as eastern coastal fringes.

However, a yellow weather warning of snow and ice has just been issued for north and south east Scotland beginning at midday on Saturday and ending at 11.59pm on Sunday.

An amber warning of heavy snowfalls will also come into effect from this afternoon until Saturday at 6 am across much of the Highlands.

Higher ground could see as much as half a metre building up across this period as snowy conditions affect the north of Scotland.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Periods of snow, heavy at times, will affect much of inland central and northern Scotland through Thursday, Friday and into Saturday, mainly on high ground.

“A further 20 to 30 cm may fall above 200 metres. 5 to 10, perhaps locally 20 cm could even fall at low levels by Saturday, though is is less certain, and rain or sleet may occur here at times.

"Strong winds could lead to significant drifting of snow and temporary blizzard conditions.”

There are risks of travel disruption and power cuts with forecasters commenting that the predicted weather may cause ‘significant disruption’.

Transport Scotland is urging people to remember to travel only when their journey is ‘absolutely necessary’ particularly if they are in an amber warning affected area of Scotland.

Traffic Scotland is also reminding the public that only essential travel is permitted across the country during lockdown.

Michael Matheson cabinet secretary for transport said: “The Met Office is warning us that this period of challenging weather is set to continue, and become more difficult for parts of the country at the end of the week and into the weekend.

“It’s important to remember the current COVID restrictions mean you should only be leaving your home for an essential purpose. Please consider if your journey is absolutely necessary before setting off, especially if you’re in the amber warning area.

“If you do have to make an essential journey during the warning period, you should make sure that you plan your journey in advance, drive to the conditions and follow Police Scotland travel advice. The forecast snow is likely to cause difficult conditions on the roads and the wider transport network.”

Areas affected by the amber warning of snow – in place from 3pm today until 6am on Saturday morning – include Angus, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland and Argyll and Bute.

The yellow warning of snow – in place from 10.42am today until 12pm on Saturday- will affect Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire

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