Snow showers and plunging temperatures caused traffic chaos on rural roads in the north-east today.
But there was good news from forecasters tonight, who said there will be no need for snow shovels for the rest of the week.
Nearly three inches fell in Aboyne today, while the heaviest snow in the north fell at Aviemore, in the Highlands.
Morning commuters were severely disrupted after two roads notorious in the winter months shut following weather warnings.
The A939 Ballater to Tomintoul road was closed between Ballater and Corgarff just before 9am, not reopening until after 5pm.
The snowgates were also closed on the B974 Banchory to Fettercairn road for more than three hours.
Meanwhile, more than 50 youngsters who attend Towie School, in Alford, were forced to stay at home after it closed because of problems on surrounding roads.
Pupils attending other schools across Aberdeenshire were also forced to seek alternative transport routes because of the wintry weather.
The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning – urging people to be aware – for Sunday night and yesterday morning, warning of a “prolonged spell of snow”.
But last night, experts said it was unlikely the snow would fall again in the north-east, with temperatures expected to soar to double figures this week.
The snow will make way for scattered showers across much of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire tomorrow, with some frosty patches across the region.
Forecasters have warned there could be mist and fog in lower areas, as well as on the hills and mountains.
The rain is expected to become heavier overnight making way for milder temperatures on Wednesday, which could mean some parts of the north-east will enjoy highs of up to 13C.
Any fog and mist is likely to clear later that day.
Graeme Whipps, Met Office meteorologist, said: “The end of the week will be quite breezy but it will be bright and dry and we would not expect there to be any issues.
“Temperatures are likely to be up to 10C on Friday.”