The north and north-east of Scotland could be in for a week of snow and ice.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather notice across the region and motorists have been warned over the conditions.
The warning came into effect from Sunday and has been extended until later in the week.
It seems the snow is here to stay as a second yellow warning for snow has been issued for Wednesday and is expected to last until Thursday.
Rail services southbound from Aberdeen have already been cancelled and replaced by buses due to planned maintenance works.
Police warned drivers in the north-east to plan ahead as road, rail and air services may be affected.
In a social media post they said: “Drivers should plan their route, keep well back from the road user in front, check screen wash, wipers and lights, and ensure windows are completely clear before driving.
“Failure to do so can result in a fine.”
Temperatures to fall
Temperatures are set to plunge to -3C during the cold snap.
The warning starts from midnight, with travel likely to be disrupted, and has been extended until Tuesday.
The Met Office warning reads: “Frequent snow showers will continue to affect northern Scotland through Monday.
“A spell of strong northerly winds affecting the Northern Isles and northeast Scotland during the day will also result in drifting of lying snow in places.
“Whilst accumulations will vary due to the nature of showers, 2-5 cm of snow is expected in many places.
“Where showers become more organised, there is a chance some low-lying areas could see 10 cm in a few hours.”
Forecasters predict below-freezing temperatures across the north and Highlands at around midnight on Monday, with Kingussie dropping to -3C.
Altnaharra, Loch Glascarnoch and Grantown-on-Spey will see -2C, while Aberdeen and the east coast will be just 1C.
Weather forecast where you are
In Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray the national forecaster said that from Sunday people should expect: “Cold with sunny spells and snow showers, giving slight or moderate accumulations with some drifting in the northwesterly winds.
“Showers perhaps merging into longer spells of snow at times.”
In Inverness, the Highlands, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, they said it would be cold with sunny spells and snow showers.
Longer spells of snow should be expected by Sunday and into Monday.
In Oban and Argyll, the forecaster said: “On Sunday it will be cold with sunny spells and a few snow showers, mainly over Argyll and the Isles.
“Risk of more prolonged snow at times later Monday and Tuesday.”
Early morning Highland services cancelled
ScotRail confirmed that several early morning services would be cancelled between Perth and Inverness on Monday, January 15.
These include:
- 6.47am – Kingussie to Inverness
- 8.38am – Edinburgh to Inverness (terminates at Perth)
- 8.43 – Inverness to Glasgow (only running between Perth and Glasgow)
All trains from Aberdeen southbound replaced with buses
All trains from Aberdeen southbound have been replaced with buses due to some maintenance work today.
Engineering work is due to take place today at:
- Dunfermline City & Cowdenbeath
- Dundee/Montrose & Aberdeen
- Glengarnock & Prestwick Town
More information on affected travel can be found here.
NorthLink ferries cancelled
NorthLink passenger services have been cancelled tonight due to the strong to gale force northwesterly winds.
The ferry operator said this morning that further disruptions may be possible over coming days.
Inter-island ferry services may also be affected on Sunday. Passengers are advised to check the various voicebanks.
More information on affected travel can be found here.
