SCOTS are to be hit with snow and plunging temperatures as forecasters predict flurries sooner than expected.
The Met Office says a northerly airflow will develop, bringing colder Arctic air to some parts.
3
3
3
Experts say those of us north of the border could see snowfall as early as this weekend.
Met Office forecaster Alex Deakin said: “Cold air will be flooding its way south over Saturday night.
“By the time we get to the early hours of Sunday morning, much of Scotland will be covered in freezing levels where ground is only at 400m.”
Forecasters say it will mark the first wintry spell of this year.
Weather maps from WXCharts predict the first snowfall will occur in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Parts of the Scottish Highlands will see several inches of snow on November 17, with temperatures dropping to lows of -4C.
By Monday lunchtime, parts of the country will see around three or four inches of the white stuff.
Residents of the Inner Hebrides could see up to nine inches with lows of -9C.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway added: “The high pressure that has been responsible for the mainly dry weather through much of this week will retrogress into the Atlantic as we get towards the weekend.
“This will gradually introduce more unsettled weather, initially in the north from Friday but more widely from Sunday.
“In addition to this increased rainfall, which could be heavy at times on Sunday, temperatures will also drop, especially for those in Scotland, as a northerly airflow develops, bringing colder Arctic air to some northern areas.
“This shift does introduce the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard.
“There is a lot of uncertainty by Sunday, but there remain a number of scenarios which could bring some more widespread rain, along with some hill snow and stronger winds.
“Warnings for winter hazards are possible later in the weekend, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.”
It comes after Scots experienced balmy 18C temperatures earlier this month.
