Temperatures Dropping All Over Scotland

8th January 2010

Temperatures
The cold temperatures are obviously attracting a lot of attention e.g. the -22.3C recorded at Altnaharra in the Highlands this morning. It's important to note that, while there are some extremely cold conditions in many inland areas, the minimum temperatures recorded in some coastal areas and the Western and Northern Isles are in the range -2 to -4C. Below is a list of the overnight minimum temperatures recorded at Met Office observing sites. These will give an indication of the areas being affected by the coldest conditions.

Altnaharra (Sutherland) -22.3C
Kinbrace (Sutherland) -20.9C
Braemar -19.4C
Fyvie Castle (Aberdeenshire) -19.1C
Tulloch Bridge (Lochaber) -19.0C
Tyndrum -17.5C
Drumnadrochit -16.2C
Aviemore -16.1C
Strathallan -15.8C
Dalwhinnie -15.8C
Cluanie Inn (Lochaber) -15.4C
Dyce -13.7C
Drumalbin (Sth Lanarkshire) -13.5C
Eskdalemuir -13.1C
Carterhouse (Borders) -12.6C
Lossiemouth -11.4C
Charterhall (Borders) -10.8C
Edinburgh -10.7C
Threave (D&G) -10.5C
Glasgow, Bishopton -9.7C
West Freugh (D&G) -8.3C
Wick -7.8C
Leuchars -7.3C
Salsburgh -6.3C
Inverbervie -5.5C
South Uist -4.0C
Lerwick -3.9C
Tiree -3.5C
Stornoway -3.1C
Kirkwall -2.7C

Rate of thaw
The Met Office is very aware that the rate of thaw is going to be a very important issue. After such a long spell of cold weather with deep snow cover across many parts of Scotland, a rapid rise in temperatures accompanied by heavy rain has the potential to cause flooding in parts of the country. We are beginning to see signs of a gradual thaw but we will remain alert to the possibility of a rapid thaw and will continue to work closely with our colleagues in SEPA to assess the possible risks.

Below is the latest weather update:

Warnings Summary
Today Friday 8th Jan
Flash warnings have been issued for Widespread Icy Roads for all parts of Scotland. These are valid until 1200 today.

Today Friday 8th Jan
A mainly dry day across Scotland. The north and east will see some scattered snow showers, mainly around coastal areas. However, these won't give any significant amounts of new snow. Freezing Fog will linger in places to add to the difficult driving conditions. Temperatures will not rise above (or get anywhere near) freezing in many areas during today. The light winds and snow cover will lead to even colder temperatures tonight with general inland overnight minimum temperatures of -15C in the south and -20C in the north. The Western and Northern Isles and some coastal areas will continue to escape the temperature extremes.

Saturday 9th Jan
Mainly dry but very cold again across Scotland. Some scattered snow flurries, particularly in eastern areas, however accumulations will be negligible. A widespread, severe frost continuing inland.

Sunday 10th Jan
Remaining mainly dry but occasional snow flurries, these mainly around the southeast of the country.

Outlook
A high pressure system near Scotland will maintain a lot of dry and cold weather over the weekend and into early next week. During next week, wintry showers will push in from the east, staying mainly dry in the sheltered west. Windy at times.

Whilst generally remaining cold, indications are that daytime temperatures will start to rise above freezing for longer towards the end of next week. This will start a slow, gradual thaw of the lying snow.

Summary
Mainly dry and remaining very cold across Scotland. Continuing widespread ice risk.

Source - Supplied by the Met Office today