Weather From the Met Office

17th December 2010

Further significant snow fall over the north of Scotland during today.
Widespread severe frost overnight tonight for all of Scotland.
Snow risk continues for parts north of Scotland tomorrow
The risk of significant snow extends during tomorrow, Sunday and Monday to cover all of eastern Scotland.

Today, Friday 17th
Snow showers will continue to affect the Northern Isles, Western Isles, northwest Highlands, north Grampian with further accumulations of 5 to 10cm locally 20cm possible during the rest of today. The showers will continue to be heavy at times. Snow showers may also increasingly affect parts of Argyll & Bute and the west of Galloway during the course of today. Mainly dry and bright elsewhere. Overnight, many places will be dry with a severe frost and freezing fog patches, with the remaining snow showers mostly affecting northern coastal areas. Strong northwesterly winds at first today becoming lighter by this evening.

General maximum air temperatures will struggle to rise much above 0C across Scotland. The combination of strong northwesterly winds and sub-zero temperatures will make it feel bitterly cold, particularly in the early part of the day. Minimum air temperatures generally in the region of -7C for many populated areas but they could go as low as -18C in sheltered Highland glens.

Saturday 18th
Much of Scotland will begin dry and frosty. However, snow showers affecting eastern Highland, the Northern Isles and Grampian will extend into other parts of eastern Scotland (Tayside, Fife, Central and Lothian & Borders) during the day. Some snow showers will extend through the Central Belt overnight in the freshening Easterly winds. Other western areas staying mainly dry. Widespread overnight frost again with minimum air temperatures generally in the region of minus 5-7C for many populated areas but they could again go as low as minus 15C to minus 20C in sheltered Highland glens.

Outlook Sunday 19th to Tuesday 21st December
Sunday Snow showers will continue to affect the Northern Isles and much of eastern Scotland. Some will be heavy and feed through the Central Lowlands towards the Glasgow area. Most other western areas will be dry. Fresh or strong easterly winds. Widespread overnight frost with again some very low temperatures especially over snow covered inland areas.

Monday Snow showers will continue to affect Eastern Scotland with the odd one getting through to the West. Some of these showers will be heavy with further accumulations likely. There is the potential for snow to affect the Monday morning rush hour. Much of western Scotland will stay dry. Still cold with fresh northeasterly winds. Widespread overnight frost.

Tuesday Scotland will continue to be at risk from further snow showers during Tuesday however confidence is currently low on exactly which areas will be most at risk. Lighter winds. Widespread overnight frost.

Flash Warning of· Heavy Snow for Grampian, Highland, Western Isles, Orkney & Shetland
Heavy snow showers will continue to affect northern Scotland through Friday, giving further accumulations of 5-10 cm with locally 20 cm in places.
The public are advised to take extra care and refer to Traffic Scotland for further advice on road conditions.
Issued by the Met Office at 09:56 on Friday, 17th December 2010