Cold snap set to strike Scotland

Experts say the cold snap could bring road chaos to Scotland

Freezing temperatures are set to hit Scotland and bring snowfall to parts of the country.

The cold snap is then expected to spread southwards, bringing more bad weather to England and Wales.

The PA WeatherCentre claims showers will to turn into snow as temperatures drop to below freezing from Sunday.

It also warned another mid-week Arctic blast could see daytime temperatures struggle to stay above zero and night-time temperatures plummet to -10C.

Weather warning

A spokesman said: "I don't think people should be dusting off their sledges just yet but it does look like a significant cold snap at the start of next week."

It is not yet clear how long the cold snap is expected to last.

Extreme wintry weather last year caused havoc on roads and railways across the UK and severe disruption to flights.

Drivers have been warned by the AA to take care in the cold conditions allowing extra time to warm up their vehicles in the mornings and for any journeys they need to make.

Other tips included making sure vehicle batteries are fully charged, there is enough anti-freeze in the engine and to keep tabs on traffic and weather reports while the bad weather lasts.

In preparation the company is putting on extra weather patrols to cope with any increases in emergency calls which might occur.

Cold comfort

A warning was also issued for the elderly not to economise on their heating during the wintry weather.

Age Concern said anyone with any worries should contact their local branch of the charity where advice on cold weather payments and winter fuel allowances is available.

A free factsheet on help with heating is available by calling freephone 0800 00 99 66.

But temperatures will not reach the lowest ever recorded in the UK -27.2C recorded at Braemar and Altnaharra in Scotland on January 10, 1982.