Edinburgh weather: First snow of the decade expected as travel warning issued

Edinburgh could wake up to its first snow of the decade on Tuesday, with a weather warning in place for much of the morning.

Despite plenty of rain and wind the first month of 2020 has failed to produce so much as a light dusting of snow in the Scottish capital.

The first snow of the year is expected to fall on Monday night, with a mix of rain and snow showers starting around 10pm.

Weather.com says these will become pure snow showers around 3am, gradually trailing off at 5am.

Temperatures will feel around -4C on Tuesday morning so there's every chance the snow could remain on the ground during the early rush hour.

ALEXANDRIA, SCOTLAND - MARCH 02: Members of the public make their way through the snow on March 2, 2018 in Alexandria, Scotland. Freezing weather conditions dubbed the "Beast from the East" combines with Storm Emma coming in from the South West of Britain to bring further snow and sub-zero temperatures causing chaos on roads and shutting schools. Red weather warnings for snow have been seen in the UK for the first time and five people have died as a result. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The yellow weather warning for the Met Office says the snow could affect roads, "stranding some vehicles and passengers." It is in place until 11am.

There's also a small chance of power cuts in some areas and a loss of mobile phone coverage.

The Met Office's forecast says: "An area of sleet and snow is likely to move eastwards overnight, followed by a few wintry showers. Surfaces then freezing, leading to icy stretches.

"There is a small chance that up to 5 cm of snow could fall down to sea level. Snow over high ground is much more likely, with 5-10 cm above 250 m and as much as 15 cm above 350 m."