Schools closed today but thaw is on its way, say forecasters

Fresh snow and high winds which caused drifting forced the closure of all Shetland’s schools today, although a thaw is on the way with temperatures set to rise from this evening.

Conditions on the roads this morning were difficult and the gritters began at 6am clearing fans and drifts that had built up overnight.

The early morning bus services were cancelled to allow the gritters time to work but were back on by 9am.

Almost all flights have landed and taken off as scheduled at Sumburgh airport today, bar the first flight to Edinburgh which was cancelled, and Scatsta is also open although running slightly behind schedule.

According to the Met Office, a thaw will begin tonight when the temperature is expected to increase to 2°C by 9pm this evening and will continue until tomorrow, when a balmy 8°C is predicted.

Drizzle and rainfall, beginning overnight tonight, is also expected, and tomorrow will be mild and cloudy, with outbreaks of occasionally heavy rain and strong to gale westerly winds.