Temperatures to plummet to -16C as warning for heavy snow and ice issued

Temperatures in parts of Scotland could plummet to -16C this week as a fresh yellow warning for snow showers and ice was issued.

The Met Office confirmed a new alert on Wednesday from noon until midnight on Thursday for more travel disruption across the north due to the stormy winter weather.

Temperatures could plummet to -16C or lower in some parts, with the warning covering Aberdeenshire, Moray, the Highlands and Orkney and Shetland.

It comes after forecasters said sleet, rain, snow and ice would sweep large parts of the country on Wednesday, with a warning due to expire at noon.

In total, more than 60 schools were closed in northern Scotland.

A number of secondary and primary schools and nurseries in the Highlands were among the closures with over 2,000 pupils affected.

Dozens in Aberdeenshire delayed opening until mid-morning for pupils and staff, with many transport routes not operating.

Snow accumulations of 3 to 7cm in places, and 10 to 15cm above 150 metres are to be expected across northern Scotland, with disruption to transport expected.

At Loch Glascarnoch, the depth of snow was around 20cm, while in Aviemore it was around 14cm and 13cm in Tulloch Bridge.

Where any modest thaw has occurred, icy stretches are likely on untreated surfaces.

Disruption was felt by passengers at Aberdeen Airport on Tuesday when all flights were suspended to ice on the airfield.

Network Rail shared an image on social media of the Highland Main Line at Carrbridge completely covered in snow.

Services on the key route have faced disruption this week due to poor weather conditions.

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