BST? That’s British Sleet Time as big freeze hits

IT may be the start of British Summer Time this weekend, but Scots have been warned to expect sleet, snow and plunging temperatures.

While the clocks go forward an hour on Sunday morning, snow flurries and ice will hit swathes of the country accompanied by temperatures as low as -7C later that night.

Forecasters have warned 2in of snow could fall on higher ground in the North, while icy patches could be a hazard on lower levels.

Today there will be a chance of thunderstorms, with some heavy downpours of rain.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency had 11 flood alerts and 21 flood warnings in place yesterday. Its Scottish Flood Forecast said: ‘Flooding from the coast is expected for parts of the coast on Friday due to high tides and a storm surge. Some localised flooding of roads and low land is likely.’

The rainy conditions are likely to continue tomorrow, before turning to wintry showers on Sunday.

Northern and eastern Scotland are likely to experience the worst of the conditions.

Most towns and cities will see temperatures drop to -3C or -4C on Sunday night into Monday morning, but the mercury could fall to as low as -7C in rural areas. Craig Snell, meteorologist at the Met Office, said: ‘Scotland is in for a flash-inthe-pan cold spell. It will be a short, sharp burst.

‘The greatest risk of accumulations of sleet and snow will be on Sunday night into Monday morning on higher grounds.

‘Temperatures could fall to -7C on Sunday night. There is a chance we could get a smidgen colder.’

Mr Snell added: ‘Ice is the main hazard, with northern and eastern parts most prone. People will notice the winds on Sunday as cold air seeps in.’