Scotland is facing a particularly harsh winter, with heavy snow, sleet, and rain expected to impact large parts of the country. The freezing temperatures and extreme weather conditions have prompted multiple weather warnings from the Met Office, advising caution for those traveling or heading outdoors.
Weather Warnings in Place
On Sunday, Scotland’s weather took a turn for the worse, as forecasters issued a series of yellow warnings, signaling the likelihood of hazardous conditions. These alerts cover both snow and freezing rain, with significant snowfall expected across various regions.
- Loch Glascarnoch in the Highlands recorded temperatures as low as -11°C on Saturday night, highlighting the severity of the cold.
- A yellow snow warning was placed from 12:00 on Sunday until 11:00 on Monday, covering much of northern and western Scotland, while another alert covers eastern and central Scotland from 09:00 on Sunday until 12:00 on Monday.
The Met Office has warned that up to 15cm of snow could fall in higher areas, particularly in the Borders, with significant snow also expected in the Southern Uplands and Pentland Hills.
Travel Disruptions and Safety Alerts
The severe weather has already caused disruptions across the country. Heavy snow has led to the closure of several roads, and football matches in Greenock, Elgin, and Peterhead were canceled due to the weather.
Calum MacColl, a BBC Weather presenter, explained that the snowfall could cause major disruptions to transport and infrastructure, with the snow potentially drifting across roads, blocking routes, and reducing visibility.
The predicted snowfall could range from 2-5cm at low levels, with the risk of up to 15cm in higher-altitude areas. These conditions, coupled with a gusty easterly wind, make travel across much of Scotland hazardous.
Warnings for Ice and Wintry Showers
Forecasters have advised that the rest of the country could experience wintry showers with 1cm-5cm of snow away from coastal areas. Sleet and rain are more likely to affect the east of Scotland, but icy conditions remain a concern across the entire country. As snow and sleet accumulate, ice on pavements and roads is expected to make travel and walking particularly treacherous.
Efforts to Support Communities
To assist those struggling during the freezing conditions, warm hubs have been established across Scotland. One notable example is the Eskdalemuir community hub in Dumfries and Galloway, which provides hot food and shelter for vulnerable people, particularly older residents who may have difficulty heating their homes.
Lara Porter, the operational development manager of the Eskdalemuir hub, explained that the community has been instrumental in supporting residents during cold spells, especially since the impact of Storm Arwen a few years ago. The hub provides a safe and warm space for locals, ensuring no one is left isolated during extreme weather.
A Broader Impact: Severe Disruption Across the UK
The snow warnings in Scotland come after significant snowfalls have already caused disruptions across the UK. Airports in Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon were forced to close their runways due to heavy snow. The Royal Meteorological Society has stated that the ongoing weather event is one of the most disruptive in recent memory, affecting regions across England, Wales, and Scotland.
