Wintry showers are set to blanket much of Scotland overnight, with chaos expected as the country prepares to return to school and work on Monday.
The Met Office has issued three warnings for snow and ice, cautioning that travel disruption is likely. Meanwhile, ScotRail has informed passengers that delays and alterations are possible due to conditions as snow showers move into Scotland from northern England.
The first warning for snow comes into effect at midnight on Sunday and will remain in place until 12pm on Monday, with temperatures dropping as low as -11.1°C in some areas. Heavy snowfall is expected across much of the country, including central Scotland, Strathclyde, the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, the Lothians, and Dumfries and Galloway.
The Met Office has warned of potential travel disruption, including stranded vehicles and passengers, as well as delays or cancellations to rail and air services, as Scotland is hit by an Arctic blast. There is also a slight chance that some rural communities may become isolated.
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This follows reports of stranded vehicles and collisions that left key roads in northern England closed and rail services cancelled after an amber weather warning for snow on Sunday, affecting those travelling back to Scotland after the holidays. Several major airports were also closed, with some flights redirected to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Frank Saunders said: “We’re seeing snow accumulations building in the expected areas covered by the Amber warning, and there will be further snowfall over the higher ground in northern England throughout today, probably turning heavier again this evening. Cold conditions in Scotland will continue, with snow showers in many coastal areas, and more persistent snow for a time in the southeast.”
A second yellow warning for snow and ice was issued at 9am on Sunday and will continue until 6am on Monday. This warning covers central Scotland, Aberdeenshire, the Highlands, Edinburgh, West Lothian, and North Lanarkshire.
The Met Office warned that longer journey times are likely due to disruption on roads, buses, and trains. Icy patches on untreated surfaces, such as roads, pavements, and cycle paths, could also pose a risk of injury.
A third warning for snow and ice is in effect from 12pm on Sunday until 11am on Monday, targeting northern parts of Scotland, including the Highlands, Dumfries and Galloway, and areas of Strathclyde.
The Met Office forecasts more frequent showers in these regions, with rain, sleet, and soft hail near windward coasts. Snowfall is expected on higher ground, with accumulations of up to 4cm in some areas, while southwestern Scotland may see persistent snow reaching up to 5cm.
Scots are advised to prepare for hazardous conditions and to check local updates before travelling.
“Across the wider region, icy stretches are likely to form, and combined with lying snow in places, will make for some difficult driving conditions,” the Met Office stated.
“Plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, and amend your travel plans if necessary. If driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays, such as warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, an ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, a high-visibility vest, and an in-car phone charger.”
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