Scots are being urged to prepare for treacherous conditions this weekend as freezing rain and snow threaten to bring widespread disruption. Temperatures are set to drop as low as -5C, with icy rain creating hazardous surfaces across parts of the country.
An easterly airflow has already ushered in a bitter chill this week, and with high pressure lingering to the north and east of the UK, the cold snap is expected to persist. This weather pattern is keeping much of the country under thick cloud and biting winds, with snow likely over higher ground in Scotland.
By tomorrow night, Friday 14, an incoming band of rain from the west will collide with the freezing air, increasing the risk of snow in the Grampians, where several centimetres could settle, and 1-2cm in the North Pennines.
Freezing rain – a rare but dangerous phenomenon where rain hits cold surfaces and turns to ice instantly – could also fall at lower levels for a time, creating slippery and hazardous conditions.
Temperatures are set to remain bitterly cold, with little chance of it feeling any warmer than the actual air temperature. While some areas may reach highs of 5C, parts of Aberdeenshire are forecast to plummet to -5C overnight from Sunday, February 16, into Monday, with the Highlands dipping to -4C.
Meanwhile, a significant snow front is expected to sweep in on Saturday, February 15, stretching from Edinburgh to Manchester and bringing up to two to three inches of snowfall.
Honor Criswick, Met Office Meteorologist, said: “We could see some snow across higher ground and towards some hills and also a chance we could see some freezing rain so do take care for any icy stretches.”
She added: “We could see some hill snow particularly across Wales and then later on across western parts of Scotland and still continued risk of some freezing rain possible.”
While snow is unlikely to accumulate in lower regions, the risk of icy patches remains, making roads and pavements particularly treacherous. Forecasters warn that while the wintry mix may not cause widespread disruption, Scots should remain cautious, especially in affected areas.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, said: “The high pressure has brought a period of cloudy and dull conditions across much of the UK. We do see some change in our weather through the weekend, with rain in the west and the chance of snow further east over higher ground on Saturday.”
A fresh surge of cold air from the east is set to keep conditions chilly and overcast through Sunday and into early next week, though most areas will remain dry.
Silverstone said: “The cold air will once again push in from the east on Sunday, covering much of the UK by Monday. We could see some low overnight temperatures with further frosts, but it will be mostly dry with little chance of further snow.
“We expect to see some brighter conditions by Tuesday, before more mobile and mild conditions move in from the Atlantic during the second half of next week.”