Snow is expected to fall in parts of Scotland from this afternoon, with the Met Office forecasting heavy and wintry showers today and into tomorrow, alongside coastal gales and a chance of thunder.
Wintry conditions arrive after freezing fog
Many Scots in central and southern Scotland woke to freezing fog and frost this morning as temperatures dropped overnight. Weather maps show both Glasgow and Edinburgh recorded lows of -3C at 5am.
While the heavy fog is expected to lift by noon, wintry conditions are set to intensify as northern areas, including Orkney, Shetland, the Highlands and Grampian, see snowfall from this afternoon.
Forecast details and coastal gales
Snow is expected to mix with scattered showers, and the Met Office predicts winds will turn into coastal gales this afternoon. Some Scots may also encounter thunder as the conditions continue.
Meteorologist Clare Nasir said: "Showers continue to move in particular across the north, clipping the north east. But elsewhere across the country some clear skies and also some sunshine."
She added: "Winds will be strong towards the north, particularly through lunchtime across Orkney as well as Shetland to the far north east of Aberdeenshire, where those showers will turn heavy and wintry over the high ground."
Snowfall timeline and wind speeds
Snowfall will first appear near Ullapool around midday today before spreading across the north, Highlands and Grampian throughout the evening. Larger bands are expected around Aberlour and Fort William into the early hours of Thursday, before scattered flurries fall during the day.
Coastal areas in the north and north east can expect strong gusts after midnight. According to the Met Office, Kirkwall will see 57mph gusts, with Wick not far behind at 52mph. Peterhead and Banff are also predicted to experience 50mph winds.
The Met Office's Grampian forecast reads: "Showers will continue overnight, these become frequent and heavy at times while continuing wintry at height. Strong northwest winds and coastal gales overnight. Minimum temperature -2 °C."
Going into Thursday, it adds: "Another day of blustery showers, these wintry over high ground. Strong winds and coastal gales ease down from the evening. Maximum temperature 5 °C."
