Weather in Edinburgh: Heavy rain with a chance of snow predicted in the Capital

Heavy rain is predicted in Edinburgh with a chance of snow in the next few days as the Met Office issues yellow and amber weather warnings of snow across Scotland.

The Met Office has said it will remain very cold in the Capital with heavy and a chance of snowy showers as yellow and amber warnings of snow have been issued across northern Scotland (Photo: Met Office and PA).

Periods of snow, heavy at times, will affect much of inland central and northern Scotland through Thursday, Friday and into Saturday, mainly on high ground, according to the Met Office.

Today, the temperature will average to around 3C in Edinburgh with rain heavy at times expected to feel ‘bitterly cold’ across the next few days.

There is chance for snow in the Capital on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday as freezing temperatures continue to affect the area.

Across Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders, a cold and cloudy day with spells of rain or sleet is expected with further snow falling over high ground.

It is expected to feel ‘bitterly cold in the fresh to strong easterly wind’ with a maximum temperature of 4 today.

Various weather warnings of snow have been issued, with a yellow warning coming into effect in many areas in northern Scotland today to last until Saturday morning.

An amber warning of heavy snowfalls will also come into effect this afternoon across much of the Highlands.

Higher ground could see as much as half a metre building up.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Periods of snow, heavy at times, will affect much of inland central and northern Scotland through Thursday, Friday and into Saturday, mainly on high ground.

"A further 20 to 30 cm may fall above 200 metres. 5 to 10, perhaps locally 20 cm could even fall at low levels by Saturday, though is is less certain, and rain or sleet may occur here at times.

"Strong winds could lead to significant drifting of snow and temporary blizzard conditions.

There are risks of travel disruption and power cuts with forecasters commenting that the predicted weather may cause ‘significant disruption’.

Transport Scotland is urging people to remember to travel only when their journey is ‘absolutely necessary’ particularly if they are in an amber warning affected area.

Michael Matheson cabinet secretary for transport said: “The Met Office is warning us that this period of challenging weather is set to continue, and become more difficult for parts of the country at the end of the week and into the weekend.

“It’s important to remember the current COVID restrictions mean you should only be leaving your home for an essential purpose. Please consider if your journey is absolutely necessary before setting off, especially if you’re in the amber warning area.

“If you do have to make an essential journey during the warning period, you should make sure that you plan your journey in advance, drive to the conditions and follow Police Scotland travel advice. The forecast snow is likely to cause difficult conditions on the roads and the wider transport network.”

Areas affected by the amber warning – in place from 3pm today until 6am on Saturday morning – include Angus, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland and Argyll and Bute.

The yellow warning- in place from 10.42am today until 12pm on Saturday- will affect Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire

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