The Met Office is tracking two weather events “fighting for influence over the UK” which could bring more low temperatures to Scotland in the coming weeks - including snow and ice.
Meteorologists have observed a sudden stratospheric warming is under way, which is associated with very cold weather.
Sudden stratospheric warming in 2018 brought the heavy snow termed the Beast from the East; however, the Met Office said the event is more likely to bring more cold weather without heavy snow, though it is difficult to predict.
The agency is also tracking a La Nina in the Pacific, which could bring wet and stormy weather as it increases the UK’s chances of westerly winds.
“You’ve got the two events happening at the same time so they vie against each other in a sense", Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey explained.
“They’re sort of fighting for influence over the UK, we’re a very small dot in the middle of the ocean.”
She added that the warming in the stratosphere takes at least 10 days to move down into our atmosphere.
Ms Maxey continued: “The feeling at the moment is that we may see some colder weather towards the end of January into February, but probably the sort of weather that we’re seeing at the moment, as opposed to what is popularly perceived as a Beast from the East.
“There’s still a lot to play for, we’re keeping an eye on the situation, the experts are working on how that might influence our weather.”
It came as forecasters predicted that the cold spell affecting much of the UK is due to continue, with temperatures expected to remain slightly below average into next week.
Temperatures will stay in single digits across Scotland in the coming days, with rain, sleet and snow expected in parts.
Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Perth are included in the weather warnings issued by the agency - with Scots in Highlands & Eilean Siar, Grampian, Central, Tayside & Fife, Strathclyde, Dumfries, Galloway, and Lothian & Borders all warned to brace for icy conditions.
A statement from the Met Office warns that "some injuries" may occur "from slips and falls on icy surfaces, such as icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.
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