Scotland is expected to be blanketed in snow this weekend as a fresh band of wintry and wet conditions sweeps across the country, following a long period of settled weather.
Snow has already begun to fall in Orkney and Shetland, as well as parts of the north and Grampian areas, while the rest of Scotland has seen frosty mornings and fog. Forecasters are predicting unsettled conditions that could bring snow to many areas as temperatures continue to fall.
Wintry Showers and Snow Bands
Scots in the west can expect scattered showers and sudden flurries of snow over Friday and into Saturday morning, with the wintry conditions intensifying by the evening. According to Met Office weather maps, a band of heavy rain is expected to hit the north of Scotland by Saturday afternoon, bringing up to 16mm of rainfall per hour to Ullapool, Durness and Kirkwall.
As this persistent rain travels south in the evening, thick bands of snow are expected to follow. First hitting the north of the Scottish Highlands by 9pm, the snow will stretch across the Isle of Skye, down to Fort William and Pitlochry, and across to Grantown-on-Spey before dipping into the Grampian region through Sunday morning.
Further Snowfall Expected
Snow could fall at up to 4mm per hour as the flurries continue, with the heavy band of rain sweeping towards the south and north east before dispersing for a while. However, in the early hours of Monday morning, Aberdeen, Huntly and Inverurie are expected to be hit with strong snowfall.
More southern areas of Scotland, including Cumnock, Glasgow, Bathgate and Biggar, will also experience snow. The Met Office is predicting that overnight frost and fog will return, which could cause hazards for those commuting to work or school in the morning.
Cold Week Ahead
The Met Office week ahead forecast reads: "The cold theme continues as we head from Friday into Saturday, but high pressure should increasingly influence the UK's weather."
"With lighter winds and clearer skies, the risk of overnight frost and fog will return. Some rain remains possible across the far north, with the broader weather pattern expected to change gradually through the weekend and into the following week."
"Overall, it is shaping up to be a noticeably colder week, with northern areas most exposed to wintry showers while frost and fog become hazards more widely." Over the weekend, temperatures across Scotland are expected to stay in single digits.
