A severe Arctic freeze has descended upon Scotland, bringing bone-chilling temperatures and the first significant snowfall of the season. Thermometers plunged to -7C in parts of the Highlands over the weekend, marking the coldest night since March and signalling a dramatic end to the unseasonably mild start to November.
Widespread Frosts and Plummeting Temperatures
Temperatures are expected to drop as low as -5C this morning in worst-affected areas like Ayrshire, with the mercury struggling to climb above zero anywhere in Scotland today. The bitter change comes as high pressure forces freezing northerly winds across the country, replacing the mild conditions that characterised early November.
Dan Holley, the Met Office's deputy chief meteorologist, confirmed: "There will be widespread frosts across the UK, with temperatures dipping as low as -7C in places next week, and daytime temperatures staying in single figures across the country." He emphasised that coupled with brisk northerly winds, "there will be a marked wind chill" creating dangerously cold conditions.
Snowfall and Blustery Conditions Expected
The cold snap has already delivered snow to several regions, with Inverness receiving a dusting over the weekend and more significant accumulations expected in the Highlands from early Tuesday morning. Honor Criswick, Met Office meteorologist, warned that "this is mainly across high ground, where we could see significant accumulations."
As winds strengthen throughout Tuesday, conditions could become particularly hazardous. Ms Criswick added: "Winds will really be picking up as we head through into Tuesday, so some very blustery if not blizzard conditions where we do see some outbreaks of snow."
Notable Weather Shift After Record Warmth
This Arctic intrusion represents a dramatic reversal from the unusually warm conditions that defined the first ten days of November, which the Met Office confirmed were the warmest on record for this time of year. Forecasters recorded average temperatures of nearly 11C in early November, approximately 4.3C above the long-term average.
While the previous mild spell helped keep Storm Claudia - which drenched much of England and Wales - away from Scotland, it brought persistent rainfall that caused flooding in some areas. The current cold weather system, driven by high pressure over the Atlantic, shows no signs of relenting soon.
Ms Criswick confirmed that "the cold weather is here to stay," with the Met Office likely to impose weather warnings this week. With daytime temperatures reaching only 4-7C from west to east, and wind chill making it feel like freezing, Scotland faces several days of exceptionally cold conditions with little respite expected.
