EuroWire, EDINBURGH: Arctic air kept Scotland in a wintry grip this week, prompting fresh snow and ice warnings and renewed travel cautions as temperatures stayed below seasonal levels. The UK’s Met Office issued a yellow warning for snow and ice covering large parts of Scotland from Monday afternoon, February 16, into Tuesday morning, February 17, with forecasters highlighting the risk of slick roads, difficult driving conditions and disruption on exposed routes.
The warning covered much of central and northern Scotland, including the Highlands and Islands, and flagged a mix of rain, sleet and snow as milder air met colder air at the surface. Alongside the snow risk, the Met Office warned that falling temperatures could lead to ice forming on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, increasing the likelihood of slips, falls and longer journey times for motorists and public transport.
Met Office forecasts said Monday brought scattered showers with snow possible over Scottish higher ground, followed by a more organised band of rain and mountain snow moving southeast across the far north and northwest. Shetland was forecast to see heavy rain early in that system before colder, clearer air spread south behind it, bringing a scattering of sleet and snow showers near northern and eastern coasts.
Through Monday night, the Met Office said skies were expected to clear for many areas, allowing temperatures to fall and frost and ice to develop widely. Forecasters also said an organised band of sleet and snow would move south across Scotland overnight, reaching low levels before clearing most areas by dawn, with gales or severe gales likely for a time around the Northern Isles.
Scotland’s transport agencies urged drivers to plan ahead, check route updates and allow extra time, particularly during early morning periods when ice is most likely to linger on shaded and untreated surfaces. Traffic Scotland’s winter guidance notes that in cold and icy conditions stopping distances can be at least ten times higher than on a dry road, and recommends carrying an emergency kit in case of delays or breakdowns.
Cold nights, icy mornings
By Tuesday, February 17, the Met Office described conditions as largely fine and sunny for many parts of the UK, while wintry showers persisted in the far north, including the Northern Isles. Observation data published by the Met Office showed the UK’s lowest minimum temperature for Tuesday was minus 7.2 degrees Celsius at Loch Glascarnoch in the Highlands, underlining the freeze potential after any wet weather.
Regional figures from the same Met Office dataset showed how temperatures struggled across the country’s north. In Orkney and Shetland, the highest maximum temperature reported for Tuesday was 4.7C at Kirkwall, while Lerwick recorded a lowest minimum of minus 1.8C. In the Highlands and Eilean Siar, the highest maximum was 6.2C at Kinlochewe, but overnight lows remained well below freezing in inland areas.
On Wednesday, February 18, the Met Office said a sharp frost was likely across parts of Scotland into the morning, with further frost and ice possible overnight into Thursday. Traffic Scotland’s police travel warnings page listed no current weather related travel warnings across Scotland as of Wednesday morning, though drivers and pedestrians were still urged to take care where temperatures remained below freezing and untreated surfaces stayed slippery.
Temperatures remain below average
The Met Office said temperatures were running around 3C to 5C below what is typical for late February, even during brighter spells, with wind chill making exposed coasts feel colder. Officials advised checking local forecasts and warnings for updated detail, as weather fronts and small shifts in wind direction can quickly change precipitation type from rain to sleet or snow on higher ground.
Traffic Scotland and Police Scotland winter safety advice stresses reducing speed, increasing following distances and avoiding harsh braking on icy roads, while pedestrians are advised to use crossings and take extra care where vehicles may need much longer to stop. Authorities also recommend allowing extra time for journeys during cold snaps and keeping informed through official travel and weather updates as conditions evolve through the week.