Grampian enjoyed some of the best weather in Scotland this May Day heralding an end to a week of unseasonably cold and wintry weather.
Spring made a welcome return with prolonged periods of sunshine and temperatures in Aberdeen reaching 13C.
It is a far cry from last week when a cold spell moved in from the Arctic bringing freezing conditions and widespread snow and hail – causing havoc on the region’s roads.
Although some snow is still expected to fall this week, Met Office forecaster Fraser Ralston said it would be confined to high ground, such as the Cairngorms.
He said conditions across Grampian had been “quite pleasant” on May Day despite a few showers, some of which had been quite heavy.
“I would say, certainly in Scotland, we have had the best of the weather here in Aberdeenshire.”
In the Highlands the showers were heavier and more frequent, although there were still some good spells of sunshine around.”
Mr Ralston said the outlook was similar for the coming days.
“On Tuesday, there will be sunny spells with scattered showers across Grampian and it will be a bit less windy,” he said.
“It will be around 12C although it could reach highs of 14C which is very close to what we would expect at this time of year.
“It will be drier with a bit more sunlight around.
“In the Highlands, they are going to see more rain, so it’s not quite so good over that side of the country.
“But they should also have a reasonably fine end to the week once we get to Friday, which will be drier and brighter with lighter winds.”
It will be cloudier across the Highlands on Wednesday, with more outbreaks of rain.
These are expected to be particularly heavy in the west, where there will also be some strong southerly winds around.