Warning as snow showers get set to sweep into Scotland

Wintry showers are expected to sweep into Scotland.

A yellow weather warning has been put in place between 8pm on Tuesday and 10am on Wednesday.

The Met Office said the snow and icy stretches will likely bring travel disruption.

Those heading out on foot are also being warned to beware of untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

The warning has been issued across the west coast of the country, right up to the Highlands and Shetland Islands.

If you've missed out on snow so far in west then you've another chance tomorrow morning. Colder air coming in Wednesday morning along with a line of showers, so a higher risk of a few centimetres on low ground away from the coast. Could also lead to a few morning travel issues.☃️ pic.twitter.com/E6vBU8ysJH
— Sean Batty (@SeanBattySTV) February 25, 2020

STV meteorologist Sean Batty said: “We’ve had a real wintry mix over the last couple of days with rain, sleet, snow and hail, although the main settling snow has been at higher levels.

“On Wednesday there is an increased risk that low level areas could see some lying snow as even colder air comes in from the west.

“On Tuesday afternoon a line of showers started developing a few hundred miles to our west within that colder pool of air and is on track to drift into western parts of the country early Wednesday.

“This is likely to fall as sleet and wet snow across the Hebrides and west coast, but turn more to snow at lower levels across mainland Argyll, Highlands, Renfrewshire, Dunbartonshire, Ayrshire and around Glasgow.”

There’s a risk of a few centimetres lying to low levels, and this will fall before or around the morning travel period which could have an impact.

Tyndrum, Drumclog, Eaglesham, East Kilbride and New Cumnock could get several centimetres of snow.

Sean added: “Very little should make it into the middle of the country and the east as it will break up and become much more showery. The main risk of travel issues will be on roads like the A82, M77, A737, A70 and A76.

“A further spell of sleet and snow will affect the same areas mid-afternoon, and again has the potential to cause a few travel problems, especially those at higher levels.

“The wintry weather will ease on Thursday with milder air and rain arriving on Friday.

“The milder conditions will be fleeting though with colder air returning for the weekend with further spells of rain, sleet and snow, once again mainly focused on the west.”

Keeping yourself warm at home

Keep your hands and face warm – if they get cold they can trigger a rise in blood pressure which puts you at increased risk of a heart attack.
Remember that several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer, as the layers trap warm air.
Wear warm clothes in bed. When very cold, wear thermal underwear, bed socks and even a hat – a lot of heat is lost through your head.

Keep warm to keep well

It’s important to stay active as this generates heat and helps to keep you warm.
Try to keep moving when you’re indoors, and don’t sit still for more than an hour.
If walking is difficult, you can do chair-based exercises. Even simply moving your arms and legs and wiggling your toes will get your circulation going.

Eating well in winter

Try to eat at least one hot meal each day and have hot drinks during the day.
Include a good range of foods in your diet and aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables each day, so that you’re getting plenty of nutrients and vitamins.
Remember that frozen vegetables are just as good as fresh.
If you’re worried about a poor appetite, speak to your GP.
Have a hot drink before bed and keep one in a flask by your bedside.

For more information, go to ageuk.org.uk/spreadthewarmth or call Age UK Advice on 0800 169 6565.