Tayside and Fife is predicted to be hit by “heavy hail” and snow next week as “blizzard conditions” move into Scotland.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of snow and ice for Courier Country from Monday at 6pm until Tuesday at 11.55pm, warning of travel disruption, power cuts and icy paths and roads.
The forecaster said “many parts” of Scotland will be hit by the wintry conditions at the start of next week, with the snow showers expected to be worst in the west.
Lightning may also affect areas within the warning zone, which covers both Dundee and Perth.
Up to 2in of snow could fall at lower levels, with up to 4in predicted in areas above 656ft.
A Met Office statement said: “Frequent and heavy hail and snow showers are likely to affect many parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland from Monday evening, continuing for much of the day on Tuesday.
“Travel delays on roads are possible, with a small chance of cancellations to public transport. There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.
“In addition some roads and pavements may become icy, increasing the chance of injuries from slips and falls.”
The Met Office’s chief forecaster said: “Snow showers will be heaviest and most frequent across western Scotland. The largest accumulations of snow will be over high ground with over 10cm (3.9in) building up above 200m (656ft).
“At low levels, accumulations of the order 2-5 cm (0.8in – 2in) will be more typical. Showers will also be accompanied by hail and lightning at times, particularly across northern and western Scotland.
“Here, there is potential for disruption to power supplies from frequent lightning strikes. Strong winds are also expected, with the potential for temporary blizzard conditions and drifting of lying snow, particularly over high ground.”
