WATCH: Yellow warning issued for snow and ice in the Highlands

Warnings have been issued for snow and ice by the Met Office as a northerly airflow will bring some disruptive weather through next week.

Yellow warnings for snow and ice have been issued for early Monday morning through to late Tuesday, with the focus of initial snow showers in northern and eastern areas of the UK.

Five to 10 centimetres of snow could accumulate over northern Scotland and snow is likely within the warning area even to lower ground, with icy conditions likely to cause travel disruption.

The area of high pressure that has brought recent benign conditions will move away to the west at the start of next week, allowing a northerly airflow to sweep across the UK.

The introduction of an arctic maritime airmass will bring snow showers to Scotland, Northern Ireland and along the east coast of England from Monday.

The snow showers will predominantly impact northern and eastern areas; however, it will be cold across the UK, with widespread freezing conditions overnight.

Deputy chief meteorologist Chris Almond, said: “Very cold air will spread across the UK from late on Sunday through early next week.

"This brings with it snow even to low levels in the north and east through Monday and Tuesday, and in excess of 10cm could accumulate, most likely on high ground in the north, but also settling for a time at lower levels.

“With freezing overnight temperatures and the risk of ice, there’s a risk of some travel disruption and wintry hazards are likely to persist through much of next week, even further south for a time, so keep an eye on the Met Office forecast for the latest information.”

Transport disruption

Stein Connelly, head of transport resilience (operations) at Transport Scotland, said: “We would urge the public to plan ahead, listen to Police Scotland travel advice, drive to the conditions, and also check before they travel.

"While our operating companies will be undertaking patrols and treatments and we are closely monitoring the network for impacts, it’s important to recognise that challenging conditions are likely early next week.

“Motorists can check with Traffic Scotland to make sure that their route is available.

"The new Traffic Scotland website gives people access to the latest travel information and the Traffic Scotland twitter page is also updated regularly.

“We know that stopping distances can be up to ten times greater in snow compared to dry roads so keep well back from the road user in front, check windscreen washer levels, ensure mobile phones are charged and there is sufficient fuel and warm clothing in case a journey is delayed.”

Further ahead

Temperatures are likely to stay well below average for much of next week, with an increasing chance of snow further south from Wednesday onwards.

Some uncertainty remains on exact positioning and timing of further wintry hazards as milder air attempts to move in from the southwest.

Details will be refined for the latter half of the week, but broadly cold conditions with further wintry hazards is the most likely scenario.

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