Here's how Glasgow will be affected as snow set to hit Scotland

Up to eight inches could fall in some areas from early this week, with forecasters warning of travel disruption across eastern and northern parts of the country as winter returns with force.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning from midnight tonight until 3pm on Wednesday, covering large parts of central and northern Scotland, including Tayside, Fife, Grampian, the Highlands and Islands, Orkney, Shetland, and Argyll and Bute.

Snow (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "Rain feeding into eastern and northern Scotland will increasingly fall as sleet and then snow through Tuesday and into Wednesday.

"By Wednesday, accumulations of 1-3cm (up to an inch) are expected above 100 metres, with perhaps up to 5cm (2 inches) in some places.

"For ground above 200 metres, accumulations of 10cm (4 inches) are expected with some places locally seeing up to 20cm (8 inches)."

The Met Office warns that strong winds could lead to blizzard conditions and drifting snow, especially further north.

At lower levels, anything falling will be a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, which could lead to some small snow accumulations in places.

Travel is expected to be disrupted, with the warning highlighting risks to roads and railways and the potential for longer journey times by road, bus, and train.

Forecasters say this latest wintry blast comes in a year already marked by severe weather, with the UK experiencing three named storms in just the first four weeks of 2026.

The most recent, Storm Chandra, brought strong winds, heavy rain, and snowfall to parts of the country.

Some experts believe the frequency and severity of these weather events are being fuelled by global climate change.

Maps show Glasgow could see snow next week (Image: Newsquest)

Sean Batty, an STV weather presenter, said the warming Arctic, currently around 20C higher than normal, helps fuel a "vicious" cycle that drives more extreme winter weather across the Northern Hemisphere.

With less ice to reflect sunlight, the Arctic region heats up even further, destabilising the global climate system.

He said: "The freezing air that’s usually ‘locked’ over the Arctic can be pushed south into Europe, Asia, and North America, while milder air surges north to replace it.

"And as the atmosphere warms, it holds more moisture – meaning rain and snowfall can be far more extreme than they once were.

"So as winter edges on, it’s looking increasingly likely Scotland could be in for another cold snap and possibly more heavy snow."

In Glasgow, the immediate forecast points to colder, unsettled weather.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "A cloudy day and feeling colder.

"A few showers around, these wintry over the hills.

"Staying dry around the west coast.

"Occasionally strong and gusty easterly winds.

"Maximum temperature 5°C."

The outlook for the rest of the week remains mixed.

Glasgow could see snow this week (Image: PA)

The spokesman continued: "Mostly cloudy on Wednesday and Friday, with some outbreaks of rain or hill snow.

"Dry and somewhat brighter on Thursday.

"Windy at times."