Snow and freezing fog sweep across Scotland

Snow showers and freezing fog are sweeping the country as a Met Office yellow weather warning takes effect.

People are being warned about the potential for travel disruption and slippery surfaces after temperatures failed to get above freezing.

A few centimetres of snow has fallen across the central belt, with up to 10cm reported on higher ground.

The weather warning is expected to remain in place for all of Scotland until midnight on Thursday.

The M77 between Glasgow and Kilmarnock has been particularly badly affected by snow, according to the Met Office. Motorists have been advised to drive with care.

BBC Weather reports further accumulations of snow are expected on Thursday as wintry showers move south with a widespread hard frost following in behind.

Another yellow warning for snow has been put in place for Friday affecting much of the north east, Highland, Orkney and Shetland.

BBC Scotland Weather presenter Christopher Blanchet said: "Anyone needing to travel will be faced with challenging conditions.

"Some disruption to transport is likely and higher road routes will see significant amounts of snow. Ice will be a big concern.

"The weather we're expecting is not unusual for Scotland in January and the usual warning for the risk of slips, falls and icy roads is in place."

Health officials are urging people to take extra care on icy surfaces, particularly as travelling to hospital could put them at greater risk of contracting Covid.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway said more than 30 fractures were treated on Tuesday at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary's Emergency Department.

The weather warning comes after the UK had its coldest night of the winter so far on Tuesday.

A temperature of -12.3C was recorded at Loch Glascarnoch in the north west Highlands.