Temperatures were tipped to plunge as low as -15C last night, making it the chilliest since January 2010 when -22.3C was recorded in the Highlands village of Altnaharra.
The Met Office has issued an amber alert for dangerous heavy snow across northern Scotland until 6pm today, potentially bringing blizzard conditions, with yellow alerts for snow and ice until midnight tomorrow.
It also warned of snow, sleet and rain for northern parts of the UK, with heavy frosts and freezing conditions likely across most of the country, leading to treacherous conditions on roads and pavements.
Scotland has already had as much as 23cm of snow in Lerwick, Shetland, but it could top 40cm on higher ground in the north west by tomorrow night.
Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “With deep snow already lying on the ground for many in Scotland, we’re going to see a significant topping up of totals over the next couple of days, especially for those in the north of Scotland.
“Within the amber warning area, an additional 15cm-20cm of snow is possible in a few locations.
“Strengthening north-westerly winds will also cause some lying snow to drift, potentially bringing some additional hazards, such as temporary blizzard conditions.”
Scottish police are warning motorists to avoid unnecessary travel today.
Icy Arctic winds have brought temperatures down 5C to 6C below the average for this time of year.
As temperatures rise this weekend the Met Office has warned of stormy conditions bringing more disruption.
