Scotland's bad weather continues

A snow covered Harthill creates the classic Christmas picture

Adverse weather conditions which have affected Scotland for the past week are due to continue into Christmas day.

Snow and freezing conditions as low as -16C have been causing major disruption to the rail and road network.

The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) will continue to monitor conditions and coordinating services to maintain transport infrastructure.

And although Friday will be quiet on the roads, gritters will continue to salt the icy surfaces.

Ministers will be on call throughout the holiday period and are receiving regular updates from SGoRR, a spokesperson said.

BBC Scotland's weather presenter, Gail McGrane, said some areas of Scotland would see fresh snow on Christmas day.

She explained: "Officially, for it to be a white Christmas, a flake of snow must fall out of the sky. So, while many of us will have snow lying, it might not technically be a white Christmas. However, the chances are, some of us will see some of the white stuff falling."

There is the possibility of treacherous conditions yet again through southern and central Scotland with between 5cm to 10cms of snow in places

Gail McGrane
BBC Scotland weather presenter

Through daylight hours, the north and north east are most likely to see further snow showers, chiefly Aberdeenshire, Moray, East Highlands and the Islands.

Initially they will be heavy and frequent but ease with time, and become confined to the Northern Isles. Generally, most of Scotland will be dry with spells of winter sunshine, and a few freezing fog patches.

Towards evening, a band of rain, sleet and snow will reach Galloway and during the evening and night, this wet weather will push across the southern uplands, into the central lowlands.

Gail McGrane added: "As it [the rain] bumps into the cold air, it will turn to snow.

"The exact details are a bit sketchy at the moment.

"However, there is the possibility of treacherous conditions yet again through southern and central Scotland with between 5cm to 10cms of snow in places."

Transport Scotland urged anyone planning to use the roads on Christmas day to plan their journey carefully and check the Traffic Scotland website.

A spokeswoman added: "Travellers should spare a thought for all the men and women out on the roads in difficult conditions or in the control rooms directing the winter operations and clearing the roads of ice and snow."

FORECAST FROM BBC WEATHER

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