Scotland braced for even MORE Met Office winter warnings as snow, ice & bitter freeze to continue for DAYS

ARCTIC air has plunged Scotland into a deep freeze as the Met Office warns of up to 10 cm of snow in some areas.

Snow showers are expected to sweep in from windward coasts in the north and east, bringing a week of winter hazards.

5

5

5

5

5

Weathermen predict we will not see a thaw until the weekend – before another cold snap next week.

A severe weather warning for snow and ice remains for the north of the country in place until 10am tomorrow, while the Scottish Borders endure another warning until noon.

A fresh alert was issued tonight for the extreme west of the country, from the Outer Hebrides through Argyll and down to Dumfries and Galloway until 10am on Wednesday.

The Met Office has warned that cold northerly winds will continue to blast the UK throughout the week, with further warnings likely.

Daytime temperatures will hover in the low single figures for most places, though a wind chill will make it feel much colder.

There will, however, be plenty of sunshine away from the wintry showers near the coasts.

More snow is expected to fall during the week, mainly at night and at low levels in northern Scotland and other exposed areas.

Temperatures are likely to increase from the southwest this weekend, though this will be accompanied by some strong winds and heavy rain.

There’s also likely to be further snowfall in the north for a time, mainly over higher ground, as part of the transition to the milder regime.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: “With cold Arctic air firmly in place over the UK, continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week, with further updates to warnings likely in the coming days.

“The current focus for upcoming snow and ice risk is from later on Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, with snow showers likely moving in off windward coasts in the north and east, as well as drifting into parts of Northern Ireland and Wales.

“In excess of 10cm of snow is possible over higher ground within the warning areas, with 1-2cm possibly settling at lower levels, which has the potential to lead to some travel disruption. Ice is an additional hazard and is likely to form quickly on untreated surfaces.”

Bone-chilling lows of minus 11C were recorded for the first time this century in Scotland.

In the north, bitterly cold temperatures were recorded – with Tulloch Bridge near Fort William reaching minus 10.7C.

Braemar in Aberdeenshire recorded the deep dip in the mercury on Monday night – the first time low than Minus 10.9C has been seen at this stage in autumn since 1998.

Scotland has not seen a temperature below minus 10C in November in eight years.

And the snowy conditions described as “the first taste of winter” forced several schools in Scotland to close earlier today.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: “A deep area of low pressure looks likely to influence the UK’s weather this weekend.

“While this will bring in milder air to most parts, it also brings with it some heavy rain and strong winds at times.

“It’s too early for precise detail, but there’s a potential for further warnings.”