FORECASTERS are warning of an extension of Scotland's big freeze with temperatures plunging as low as -12C in the next two days.

The Met Office has warned commuters of further snow and ice across Scotland on Wednesday after delays and school closures on Tuesday The forecaster issued further yellow weather warnings of snow and ice running to noon on Wednesday covering the west of Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland.

Up to 10cm (4in) of snow on high ground was forecast and temperatures were expected to plunge as low as -10C in north east Scotland Meanwhile up to 2cm (1in) of snow is expected to lie in some lower areas.

The forecasters warned about disruption on roads and railways and a "slight chance" that some rural communities could become cut off.

READ MORE: Motorist caught driving snow-covered vehicle in Thurso

They also warned of a small chance of power cuts and mobile phone coverage issues.

Forecasters said a band of rain will push from west to east which could fall as rain, sleet or snow, particularly at peaks in Wales and northern England and Scotland.

Snow showers could return tomorrow and temperatures on Wednesday night and Thursday morning could drop to as low as -12C in sheltered glens. There is a risk of further disruptive snow and ice to parts of the country towards the end of the week.

Alex Burkill of the Met Office said: “It is going to be a cold day in Scotland today, so there will be wintry showers mainly falling as mainly in northern and western areas, particularly in the morning. 

"The reason for the cold weather is because the jet stream is to the south of us and we are on the northern colder side of it.

The Herald:

"And it is a very active jetstream, so we are going to see some weather systems pushing their way through across the UK as we go through today and then another system is going to come in on Thursday that will bring in wet and wintry weather particularly to southern parts of the UK.

"It will be a cold night with a widespread frost and icy stretches, so do take care if you are heading on the roads."

He said on Thursday after a cold start, there could be some "hefty snow" although it is not yet known how far north it will go.

"We do have warnings at the moment, but they are likely to get updated as we get nearer the time, and there could be significant disruption to travel."

The new warnings came as motorists faced difficult driving conditions on Tuesday morning as snow and sleet fall in some areas.

One driver received a sanction after he was caught driving a snow-covered car with just a small square of windscreen cleared in the Highlands.

The Herald:

The motorist was stopped by police on the A9 at Thurso, Caithness, in the Highlands in the early hours of Tuesday as snow and sleet fell across parts of the country.

The car’s rear and side windows were completely covered with snow while only a small area had been cleared on the front windscreen.

Police issued the driver with a fixed penalty notice.

Police Scotland urged motorists to clear their vehicles of snow and ice properly before beginning journeys.

They posted pictures of the snowy car on social media and said: "Winter has been biting for most of us this week, which means it is more important than ever that your vehicle is suitably prepared for the roads.

READ MORE: Motorist caught driving snow-covered vehicle in Thurso

"Unfortunately not everyone follows this advice - officers on patrol stopped this car which was being driven on the #A9 at #Thurso in the early hours of this morning.

"Appropriate action has been taken against the driver in relation to road traffic offences.

"It is important before you set off to make sure your windows are clean, properly demisted and clear of all snow and ice before you drive."

There was heavy snowfall in parts of the Highlands and the snow gates on the A939 between Cock Bridge and Tomintoul were closed on Monday afternoon.

Traffic Scotland said that snow was falling on parts of the M80 and M77 on Tuesday morning while Amey reported snow on the M8, M9 and A7.

Highland Council took the decision to close 13 primary schools and nurseries and one high school because of the weather.

More than 100 gritters were deployed across the areas of the country where the most snow and ice was expected.