A yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued for the north-east and the Highlands today.
The Met Office warning, which covers Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, central Highlands and the north of Scotland, has advised motorists and travellers to be wary of cold conditions today and tomorrow.
Temperatures have been forecast to drop far below April averages as northerly gales bring unusually cold air across the UK.
It has been estimated that up to 3.9 inches of snow could accumulate on high up roads, and up to 1 inch of snowfall is expected for lowland areas throughout Monday and Tuesday.
Overnight, thermometers are expected to dip a degree below zero in certain areas as hail and wind sweeps across Scotland.
A Met Office statement said: “Frequent sleet, snow and hail showers will continue to affect northern Scotland for the rest of Monday and into Tuesday.
“While accumulations by day will be temporary and slushy away from the hills, snow showers will settle more readily later on Monday evening, overnight and early Tuesday.
“Icy stretches are an additional hazard in the clearer spells between the showers, mainly over higher routes.
“Northern Scotland will bear the brunt of the wintry showers, with some snow accumulations, mainly by night and over higher ground.
“Accumulations, and the risk of ice on roads, will be very variable due to the showery nature of he precipitation, but may give some localised travel impacts overnight and early on Tuesday.”
