School closures follow extended snow and ice warnings

Freezing weather conditions have led to the closure of almost 100 schools and nurseries across Scotland. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice, affecting parts of northern Scotland and its west coast. This warning is active from 10:00 on Wednesday until 12:00 on Thursday. Additionally, a distinct yellow warning for ice is in effect for areas of central, east, and west Scotland until 10:00 on Thursday. A third warning, predicting snow and rain, encompasses most of Scotland over the upcoming weekend. Monday marked the coldest beginning to winter in the country in 26 years, with temperatures in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, plummeting to -11.2C (11.8F). Following additional overnight snowfall across the Highlands and Aberdeenshire, motorists have received warnings regarding potential icy road conditions. Overnight, temperatures across the UK generally fell to between -1C (30.2F) and -4C (24.8F), with the Grampians experiencing a drop to -7.8C (46F). Forecasts indicate sleet and snow showers for northern regions, particularly close to the coast. While central, southern, and eastern areas of the country stayed dry, temperatures there remained near freezing. Furthermore, meteorologists have forecast another night of severe cold. Approximately 46 schools in Aberdeenshire were closed for the day, and numerous others either commenced operations later or operated without pupil transportation services. The Highland Council announced the closure of 25 schools and 16 nurseries; concurrently, Moray Council closed eight schools and three nurseries. In Shetland, two schools are closed, and certain transport services to schools that are still operating have been cancelled. The most recent ice alert extends to regions including Angus, Perthshire, and Scotland’s south-west coast, in addition to portions of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. A warning for snow and ice encompasses northern Scotland and the majority of its west coast. The Met Office has advised individuals to verify for potential delays and road closures in advance. Earlier, some travel disruption occurred on the train line connecting Keith in Moray and Huntly in Aberdeenshire; however, all lines have since resumed operation. Heavy snowfall is anticipated across Scotland on Saturday, succeeded by a swift thaw and rain during the evening. The Met Office has issued a yellow alert for rain and snow, valid from 04:00 on Saturday until 09:00 on Sunday. This alert applies to Grampian, Highlands and Islands, Central, Perthshire, Lothian, Inverclyde, the Borders, and southwest Scotland. Transport Scotland has advised motorists to adapt their driving to the prevailing conditions this weekend and to consult public transport information prior to departing from home. A yellow weather warning indicates a high probability of weather-related travel disruption and a risk of slips and falls on icy surfaces. A spokesperson stated: “The Met Office has issued a number of severe weather warnings for much of the country for snow and ice for the rest of the week, including the weekend.“We should expect more freezing temperatures so we’re asking the public to make sure they plan their journeys in advance, as challenging conditions could impact the transport network.” Temperatures below -10C (14F) were registered in certain areas of northern Scotland on Monday night. A temperature of -10.9C (12.4F) or lower had not been recorded on or before 19 November since 1998. Tulloch Bridge, situated near Fort William in the Highlands, also registered -10.7C (12.7F). Scotland has not experienced a temperature below -10C in November since 2016. Yesterday, only a small number of schools throughout Scotland were closed, comprising four rural schools in Shetland, one in Orkney, and one primary school along with three nurseries across the Highlands. Peterhead Academy in Aberdeenshire was scheduled for an early closure owing to anticipated conditions. Road conditions in the vicinity were challenging; a Stagecoach bus overturned in the New Leeds area, though no injuries were reported. Meteorologists characterized this as the initial onset of winter, noting that temperatures across the UK were projected to be below the mid-November average.