Temperatures are forecasted to drop tonight as an arctic plunge hits the north and north-east.
The Met Office has issued several weather warnings for the north of Scotland. Here is a breakdown of what has been forecasted – and when they come into force.
Sunday, April 4: 4pm
- Yellow warning for wind and snow – north Highlands, Orkney and Shetland
Hail and snow showers will arrive from the north this afternoon, spreading steadily southwards during the early evening.
Around 1-3cm of snow is likely to accumulate overnight. Residents and motorists are also being warned of blizzard conditions as strong wind is also forecasted.
The Met Office said: “Gusts of 50-60 mph are expected across the warning area, and perhaps in excess of 70 mph for a short time during Monday morning across the Northern Isles. A combination of rough seas and the unusual wind direction will lead to dangerous coastal conditions and particularly difficult conditions for ferry crossings.”
CalMac has warned travellers due to the forecast of high winds, sailings may be liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice. Follow its twitter page for updates.
Warning ends: 23:59 on Monday, April 5.
Sunday, April 4: 6pm
Yellow warning for snow – Highlands, Moray, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
Snowy conditions are expected to hit the north and north-east later this evening, which may lead to travel disruption.
The yellow alerts states: “A very cold northerly airflow will become established across the UK through Sunday night and Monday morning. Very strong north to northwest winds will spread hail and snow showers inland across many areas, but the most frequent showers will affect northern Scotland.
“Here, 2-5cm may accumulate at low levels away from north-facing coasts, with 5-10cm above 150m, and 15cm possible on highest ground above 300m. The strong winds will cause drifting of lying snow, and blizzard conditions at times on higher ground.”
Warning ends: 23:59 on Monday, April 5.
Tuesday, April 6: 00:01
Yellow warning for snow – Highlands, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney and Shetland
The wintry conditions are expected to continue into Tuesday and the Met Office has issued a yellow alert for snow for much of the north.
⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️
Snow across northern parts of Scotland
Tuesday 0001 – 1000Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/DbGp8qOEc0
— Met Office (@metoffice) April 4, 2021
The warning says: “Frequent hail and snow showers will continue through the early hours onwards into Tuesday morning. Further accumulations of 1-2 cm of snow are likely for some with higher accumulations likely on some hills and mountains. Conditions will also remain windy with some drifting of snow possible.”
Warning ends: 10am on Tuesday, April 6