Scotland has endured its most frigid night of autumn, with temperatures dropping to a bone-chilling -12.6C in Tomintoul, Banffshire - significantly colder than Iceland's capital Reykjavik during its winter season.
Record-breaking cold snap grips Scotland
The mercury plunged to -12.6C in Tomintoul, Banffshire overnight, marking the country's coldest autumn temperature and sitting more than 14 degrees below the seasonal average of 1.61C. Even Reykjavik in Iceland, a month into its winter season, recorded warmer conditions with temperatures hovering above freezing.
This dramatic cold spell saw Eskdalemuir in Dumfriesshire record the lowest daytime temperature at just 1.5C, while weather warnings for ice remained in place across northern regions until 11am yesterday.
Disruption and winter sports opportunities
The Arctic conditions caused significant disruption across affected areas, with almost 40 schools in Aberdeenshire remaining closed for a third consecutive day. Several educational institutions in Moray and the Highlands also faced partial or complete closures.
Meanwhile, the Cairngorm ski centre capitalised on the conditions, opening a full fortnight before winter's official start. Chief executive Mike Gifford reported that his team had been working diligently to move snow around and create usable runs, expressing hope that this marked "the start of a positive winter" for the resort.
Nearby winter sports facilities experienced varying fortunes. The Lecht Ski Centre reported a "dusting of snow" but insufficient coverage to open runs, while Glenshee, located further south in the Cairngorms, aims to commence operations next month.
Transport challenges and breakdown surge
The severe weather created hazardous travel conditions across Scotland. Snow ploughs and gritters worked continuously to maintain route accessibility after further snowfall in some areas. The renowned Bealach na Ba mountain pass connecting Kishorn to Applecross in Ross-shire remained closed yesterday due to snow gates being shut.
RAC Breakdown experienced its busiest day since January, with vehicle breakdowns spiking dramatically. Spokesperson Alice Simpson noted: "The freezing temperatures means our patrols are exceptionally busy, with breakdowns almost 50 per cent higher than what we would usually expect at this time of year."
Warmer weekend ahead with rainfall
Forecasters indicate that the freezing conditions will begin to ease over the weekend as warmer air pushes in from the west, bringing rainfall to many parts of the country. A Met Office spokesman confirmed: "Generally conditions will turn milder and with that more in the way of rain and influence of low pressure from the west."
While eastern regions and the Central Belt may experience sunny spells, daytime temperatures aren't expected to exceed 10C, with overnight readings potentially dropping to -5C. Meteorologist Clare Nasir advised: "The snow and ice we have been experiencing through the last three or four days will slowly wane as we head into the weekend although it will remain rather chilly."
Despite the current cold spell, Scotland's autumn low of -12.6C remains well above the country's all-time record of -23.3C recorded at Braemar, Aberdeenshire, on November 14, 1919. Historical data shows that between 2011 and 2023, temperatures in Scotland dipped below -10C in November on only four occasions.
