Scotland to see snow and -3C today as Met Office explains why spring 2024 is so cold

Temperatures in Scotland could plunge to as low as -3C on tonight with snow on some higher ground as the UK grapples with a freezing cold spring.

Frosty mornings after freezing overnight temperatures are forecast in parts of the UK on Wednesday and Thursday before cold Arctic air moves makes way for a warmer spell this weekend.

It comes as forecasters at the Met Office have explained why Scotland has experienced such a cold spring this year as more snow and sub-zero temperatures are on the way.

The spring weather this year has been a shock to the system with rain, wind, snow and freezing temperatures more common than the fresh, sunny skies we are used to in April. Average April temperatures are usually around 14C to 15C across the country but so far this month conditions have been colder.

While this may feel like a surprise weather pattern, forecasters at the Met Office claim that this isn't too "unusual" for the UK.

Ellie Glaisyer, a meteorologist at the Met Office, explained why the nation has experienced some colder temperatures and unusual weather this spring.

Ellie said: "The reason for (the low temperatures) is that we've got an area of high pressure out towards the west of the UK and that gives us a northerly wind across the UK.

"So it's those northerly winds that are bringing us to slightly below-average temperatures, particularly across eastern parts of the UK, as the air is coming from towards the Arctic."

The Met Office also noted that this frost and cold weather is set to continue over this weekend with snow expected across the country. It said that temperatures in parts of northern England and Scotland could plunge to as low as -3C on Wednesday and Thursday night – with snow on some higher ground – as northerly winds continue to bring chilly nights and below-average temperatures throughout the day.

The official weather forecasters also posted on its official TikTok account, to explain why spring 2024 has been bitingly cold.

One forecaster said that while temperatures below average for April, colder weather in spring isn't too uncommon.

They added: "Although we are in the middle of spring, it's not really feeling like it with temperatures generally a bit below average. That means that we're in for some chilly nights and possibly a touch of frost too.

"As well as that, there could be some snow around, most likely over the hills and mountains of Scotland. Snow in April isn't unheard of but it's not what many of us would expect."

The forecaster continued by saying: "The weather this week is relatively benign, however, there is a small chance that a deep air of low pressure could develop to the southwest of the UK - bringing some very wet and windy weather this weekend."

The current weather forecast on the Met Office also confirms that the weather doesn't look to be improving for Scotland this weekend - with up to 4mm of hail and snow expected across the north of the country.

Spats of hail and snow are also expected further down across the Scottish Borders, with some also hitting Edinburgh and further west of Scotland, near to the coast.

The Met Office have also confirmed that the wind speeds will pick up over the weekend, especially on the eastern coasts of Scotland. By 1pm on Saturday, April 27, Aberdeen will see winds reaching 19mph, with a high of 16mph inland near to Pitlochry. Sunday is the same story with winds rising to 22mph across the Aberdeen and Edinburgh areas, and more inland areas of Dumfries and Glasgow seeing 21mph by 4pm on April 28.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.