Parts of Scotland are facing hazardous weather as snow and ice cause widespread disruption. The Met Office has extended its weather warnings, prompting school closures and travel advisories.
The cold snap, which began earlier this week, has seen temperatures plummet to the lowest in over two decades, affecting daily life across the country.
A Bitter Start to Winter
Scotland experienced its coldest November morning in 26 years, with temperatures in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, reaching a bone-chilling -11.2C (11.8F). This severe weather is causing significant challenges, particularly in the north and west of the country.
By mid-week, the snow continued to fall heavily, making road conditions treacherous. Gritters were out in full force, treating roads in affected areas like Lochcarron and the Highlands. The Met Office has issued multiple yellow warnings, with snow and ice expected to persist until Thursday and another round of snow predicted for the weekend.
The warning is not just about snow. Ice remains a major concern, especially on untreated roads and pavements, creating a risk of slips and falls.
Schools and Nurseries Close Across Scotland
The freezing weather has led to nearly 100 school and nursery closures across Scotland. Aberdeenshire, one of the worst-hit areas, saw 46 schools close on Wednesday. Several other schools delayed opening or ran without regular pupil transport.
In addition, local authorities in the Highlands and Moray reported widespread disruptions. The Highland Council closed 25 schools, while Moray shut eight. Even in Shetland, two schools closed due to the weather, with transport services severely disrupted.
- 46 schools closed in Aberdeenshire
- 25 schools in the Highlands closed
- 8 schools in Moray shut their doors
It’s not just schools. The weather is also causing delays and cancellations for bus and train services across affected regions. The train line between Keith in Moray and Huntly in Aberdeenshire experienced disruptions earlier, but has since reopened.
Ice and Snow Travel Warnings Remain in Effect
While some areas saw snowfall overnight, the primary concern now is ice. A yellow ice warning extends across central, eastern, and southern Scotland. Drivers have been advised to take extra caution, with conditions expected to remain icy into the weekend.
- The Met Office warns of dangerous driving conditions
- Check for travel disruptions before heading out
The forecast for Saturday and Sunday adds to the tension. Heavy snow is expected to cover most of Scotland, especially the Highlands, followed by a rapid thaw and rain on Sunday. With temperatures dropping again, conditions may worsen.
Transport Scotland is urging the public to monitor travel updates closely over the weekend. With more snow on the way and freezing temperatures continuing, there’s concern that even more travel delays are likely.
Snow and Ice Warnings for the Weekend
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather alert for rain and snow this weekend, running from 04:00 on Saturday to 09:00 on Sunday. The areas affected include:
- Grampian
- Highlands and Islands
- Central Scotland
- Lothian and Borders
Local authorities have warned the public that this upcoming storm could bring more disruption to transport networks, as well as a risk to personal safety.
The public is encouraged to prepare for difficult travel conditions, especially those traveling to or from northern and western Scotland.
A Chill Not Seen in Over a Decade
The freeze that hit Scotland earlier this week has been one of the most severe in years. Monday night saw temperatures dip below -10C (14F) in some northern areas. The last time temperatures reached this low in November was back in 1998. Tulloch Bridge near Fort William recorded -10.7C (12.7F), while other areas, including Braemar, saw similar temperatures.
The weather pattern is also contributing to a severe snow build-up. Rural towns and villages, including Auchleven and Roybridge, reported significant snow accumulation overnight.
This cold snap is part of a pattern of colder-than-average temperatures, with temperatures remaining below the mid-November average across much of the UK. Early snowfalls have set the stage for what could be a prolonged and difficult winter season in the coming weeks.
