After weeks of persistent cloudy weather and relatively mild temperatures, Scotland is set to experience its first notable wintry spell of the season next week. The shift in conditions will bring much colder weather, including snow, frost, and icy conditions.
A Dramatic Weather Change
Scotland has been under the influence of anticyclonic gloom for much of autumn—a period marked by overcast skies and stagnant weather. This weather pattern has kept both daytime and nighttime temperatures unusually high for this time of year. However, a cold northerly airflow is set to move in this weekend, ushering in a sharp drop in temperatures.
By early next week, temperatures across the country will begin to plummet, with most areas facing overnight frosts. Daytime highs will struggle to reach between 4°C and 6°C, marking the start of the season’s first genuine cold snap.
Wintry Showers and Snowfall
As the cold weather settles in, wintry showers are expected to impact the northern parts of Scotland, especially the Highlands and the Northern Isles. Higher elevations in these areas could see significant snowfall, while lower ground is likely to experience sleet and snow, with icy conditions developing overnight. This will be the first encounter with such wintery conditions this autumn.
Central and southern Scotland, however, will remain largely dry with clear skies and sunny days, although the nights will be cold and frosty. This more stable weather is expected to persist in these regions, offering a contrast to the winter conditions in the north.
Prolonged Cold Spell
The colder weather is set to continue throughout most of November, as high pressure from near Greenland will anchor the chilly conditions over Scotland. This will bring a prolonged period of cold and potentially hazardous conditions, particularly for those in the northern parts of the country.
Although these types of conditions are typical for November, this is the first significant winter chill of the season, and residents across Scotland will need to prepare for ice, snow, and overnight frosts in the coming days.
