Temperatures in parts of Scotland could hit as low as -8 degrees celcius as the colder winter weather hits the country.

It won’t be quite as cold across most of Scotland, though, with it expected to be around -3C in the majority of places but there is a warning that snow and sleet is on the way.

Northern Scotland is expected to get the brunt of the colder weather with showers at the start of the week before it turns to snow and sleet.

Currently, there are no official snow warnings in place from the Met Office but they have suggested the colder weather is coming.

A post on social media said: “Plenty of showers to start on Monday, particularly in the north and west. Showers turning to sleet and snow in northern Scotland.”

Met office meteorologist Marco Petagna believes it won’t last long though, with a change in wind direction meaning it could bring more mild temperatures as the week goes on, but they could drop again towards the weekend.

He said: “Monday night is probably the coldest night – we should get to -8C in one or two spots in Scotland, more likely around high ground, where we’ve got a snow line.

“Then on Tuesday night, possibly -3C in Scotland. It’s just a brief colder spell.

“Later Tuesday the wind starts to come back from the Atlantic again so it starts to turn less cold.”

The Met Office themselves have suggested it could be more stormy at the weekend too, particularly in the north of Scotland.

Part of their forecast said: “Sunshine and a few showers on Wednesday. Wet, windy overnight, turning showery on Thursday. Sunny start Friday, then chance of heavy rain, hill snow and gales later.”