Autumn snow is expected on the north’s highest peaks this weekend as temperatures take a tumble.
The Met Office said areas above 3,000ft could start to see “wintry precipitation” from tonight.
Rain coupled with lower temperatures could cause the first snowfall of the back end of year at higher altitude.
Forecasters said the weather was returning to more average conditions, compared with an unusually dry and warm September.
A Met Office spokesman said: “People will definitely notice it is in feeling cooler in the next few days.
“It will certainly be cold enough at a certain heights for the forecast rain to turn wintry, probably somewhere between 800m (2,624ft) and 1,000m (3,280ft) by Friday night.
“The rain will probably fall as some form of wintry precipitation which could be sleet, hail or snow.
“I wouldn’t expect anything too serious apart from the highest peaks though.”
Yesterday saw a definite shift in the weather as gale force winds battered the Western Isles and north-west coast.
Ferries were cancelled between the mainland and the Western Isles, as well the ferry between Mallaig and Armadale on Skye due to gale force winds. The Skye Bridge was closed to high sided vehicles for a time too.
Forecasters have warned that the high winds and heavy rain are likely to continue to cause disruption throughout today in the north-west of the country, as well as Orkney and Shetland.
The Met Office spokesman added: “It will be cooler, with colder air following the rain and wind in from the west.
“That will be a trend for the next few days.”
Flood rescue team AA Special Operations is warning of the risk of flash flooding from today in northern and western areas.
Rescue team boss Darron Burnes said: “We could see upwards of 60mm (2.3in) rain and gusts up to 60mph in places.
“While river catchments may well be able to take this volume of water after the very dry September, a lot may fall within 12 to 24 hours, so flash flooding is likely to be the main issue for drivers in the affected areas.
“Friday evening’s rush hour could be particularly affected, so allow a bit more time if you’re heading away for the weekend and check your car’s lights and wiper blades.”