A warning for snow and ice is in place across the north-east with motorists warned of plummeting temperatures overnight.
Western Aberdeenshire and Moray is expected to be hit by snow tonight and in the early hours of Monday with ice also likely to form on many routes, leading to a Met Office yellow “severe” weather alert.
Snow and sleet showers are also forecast to move into the north-east, but the worst of this new blast of wintry weather was not anticipated to make it into the lower regions of Deeside and Donside, nor to Aberdeen.
However, in areas above 490ft, about two inches of snow is expected to fall, whilst the highest regions of Grampian could experience as much as four inches.
Braemar, Huntly and Tomintoul are all predicted to endure snowfall, whilst the likes of Ballater and Alford could also see some of the white stuff.
The warning was put in place at 3pm today and will remain in force until 10am tomorrow.
The Met Office’s chief forecaster said: “Wintry showers will continue this afternoon and overnight into Monday morning. Initially the showers will fall as sleet and snow above 200 metres, with temporary accumulations to lower levels away from western coastal districts.
“However, snow levels will rise slightly on Sunday night and accumulations are expected to become more confined to routes above 250m (820ft) to 300m (985ft) by Monday morning, where 2-5 cm (0.8-2in) will accumulate with 10cm (4in) possible over ground above 400m (1,300ft).
“Some drifting of the snow is possible in the strong westerly winds. Ice will also be a hazard on untreated surfaces even to lower levels.”
