The return of snow to the north and north-east could put a chill on Easter for families looking to make the most of the long weekend.
Communities across the region suffered freezing temperatures a month ago as the Beast from the East battered the country with snowstorms, and a “mini” version of the cold snap followed weeks later to heap further misery on the area.
The arrival of spring last week, with temperatures in Aberdeenshire topping those of holiday sunspots such as Madrid, Marseille and Rome, may have convinced many that they had finally seen the last of the wintry weather.
But forecasters have warned that snow is expected to fall across eastern parts of Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray and the Highlands again today meaning that residents may have to reconsider their Easter outings.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, which was in place from 9pm last night until noon.
Motorists have been warned that icy patches could develop as temperatures dip below freezing overnight.
The Met Office has statement says: “Rain will turn to snow over higher hills and some lower levels during Thursday night.
“A few centimetres of snow may affect higher routes before a slow improvement follows during Friday daytime.
“At lower levels, snow will probably struggle to settle on tarmac and concrete surfaces but some icy patches are also possible.”
Meanwhile, sleet is forecast to hit Aberdeen tomorrow morning and temperatures will dip below freezing in the early hours of Sunday.
Inverness will experience temperatures as low as -3C on Saturday and Sunday.
Last Thursday. meteorologists recorded a high temperature of 15.1C just after 1pm at Fyvie Castle.