Scotland facing 'unsettled' weather on Christmas weekend as wind warnings comes into force

Scotland is facing "unsettled" weather over the Christmas weekend with a severe yellow warning coming into force covering the entire country.

Rain and potentially disruptive strong winds will pick up speed in Scotland on Saturday (December 21), meaning it will be a wet and windy weekend for many, with particularly powerful gusts in the north.

National severe weather warnings for wind have been issued for both tomorrow and Sunday (December 22) highlighting the threat of snow in some areas. Travellers should also prepare for switch-ups in time tables across many modes of transport.

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"The strongest winds are expected across the far north of Scotland on Saturday afternoon and evening, with the potential for gusts in excess of 80 mph in coastal districts including Orkney," a Met Office spokesperson said.

"Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected, too, with large waves an additional hazard... This period of strong winds may lead to some transport disruption, including ferry delays or cancellations.

“Frequent blustery showers will also be a feature... Those showers could turn to snow on the hills in the northwest of Scotland on Saturday evening, and then overnight and into Sunday."

Elaborating on wintry showers that are most likely to hit southern Scotland, the spokesperson went on: "Snow will be focused over hills, where several cm may fall, but some sleet, snow and hail may fall to quite low levels for a time, bringing possible icy conditions by Sunday morning.

“The strong winds will be more widespread on Sunday, with gusts of 50-60 mph expected quite widely. Around some exposed coasts and hills, gusts of 60 to 70 mph are possible, especially in the north and west.

“In addition, squally showers are likely with some hail and thunder possible in places."

Road, rail, air and ferry services are all likely to be affected by the conditions, with longer journey times and cancellations possible, as well as potential restrictions on bridges, according to Transport Scotland.

The network is also expected to be busier than usual, given it’s the last weekend before Christmas.

“As always, we ask travellers to plan their journeys before setting off to ensure they reach their festive celebrations in good time," Douglas Cairns from Transport Scotland said.

"If you’re driving, make sure your vehicle is winter ready and follow any advice that may be in place... this goes for... if you are planning to travel by rail, air or ferry, stay in contact with your operator for the latest service information.”

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day unlikely to offer up nation's 'favourite winter weather'

The winds will ease at the start of the week and there will be some brightness in the east on Monday before cloud and rain move in. There will be a change in feel to the weather, though, mainly due to an increase in temperatures.

Sadly, this means the chances of seeing what Met Office research found to be the country's "favourite winter weather" - "crisp blue skies and snow on the ground" - are looking extremely unlikely.

“We’ll start to see high pressure to the south of the UK bringing in more settled and much milder conditions from Christmas Eve," Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Hicks, said.

“Christmas Day itself will be cloudy for most, although... eastern Scotland may see some clear or sunny spells. We could see some drizzle across hills in the west, and some more persistent rain is possible for northwest Scotland.

"Overall, it will be a fairy cloudy, nondescript day.

“Conditions on Christmas Day and Boxing Day look to be exceptionally mild for the time of year, especially in the north. East and northeast Scotland could see overnight temperatures 10C above average on Christmas morning.”

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