A severe weather warning has led to the closure of hundreds of schools in northern Scotland as snowfall and freezing temperatures continue to grip the region. The Met Office has issued multiple alerts for snow, ice, and bitterly cold conditions, affecting daily life and prompting school shutdowns.
Northern Scotland Faces Extreme Weather Conditions
As the snowstorm intensifies, the Met Office has warned that snowfall could accumulate up to 10 cm in higher regions of northern Scotland. This harsh weather is expected to persist through Thursday, and the warning has now been extended until Friday. A ‘Yellow’ warning has been placed for areas such as Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, the Highlands, Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer Hebrides.
The situation remains fluid, with sleet and snow showers expected to continue throughout Thursday, potentially causing further disruptions.
School Closures and Disruptions
In response to the extreme weather, hundreds of schools across northern Scotland have been closed. The closures include 24 secondary schools, 113 primary schools, 88 nurseries, and three special schools. In Aberdeenshire alone, 41 schools are closed, and others have had delayed opening times.
The Highland Council area has been the worst affected, with most schools and nurseries closed for the day. School transport services were also suspended, and preliminary exams were canceled due to the hazardous road conditions.
- 24 secondary schools closed
- 113 primary schools closed
- 88 nurseries closed
- 3 special schools closed
- School transport services suspended
These closures have caused a significant disruption to students, parents, and staff across the region, with many schools announcing they will remain shut until the weather improves.
Cold Snap and Record Low Temperatures
The freezing weather has led to dangerously low temperatures, particularly in rural parts of Scotland. Overnight, temperatures plummeted to minus 12°C at Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands, and Eskdalemuir in Dumfries and Galloway recorded minus 10.1°C.
According to the Met Office, the cold will persist throughout Thursday night, with the lowest temperatures expected in rural Scotland and northern England. The combination of snow and clear skies is creating very cold airflows, exacerbating the bitter chill.
- Minimum temperature at Tulloch Bridge: -12°C
- Eskdalemuir recorded -10.1°C
- Rural Scotland likely to see -14°C overnight
The freezing conditions are causing significant challenges for road users. Snowfall and icy patches on untreated surfaces are making travel hazardous, with warnings in place for further snow accumulation and icy conditions.
Snowfall and Icy Road Conditions
The latest weather updates suggest that sleet and snow showers will continue through Thursday, affecting areas in northern and north-eastern Scotland. Accumulations of 1-4 cm are expected at lower levels away from coastal areas, with up to 10 cm possible at higher elevations above 150 meters.
This is causing further challenges for commuters and residents, especially those in rural areas, where road conditions are at their most dangerous. The persistent cold temperatures and snow accumulation are likely to lead to icy stretches on untreated surfaces, further complicating travel.
The Met Office warned that, while snow will die down across north-west Scotland overnight, the weather will persist in the north-east until Friday morning, posing continued risks for residents and travelers.
