First snow of winter set to fall in Borders

This change reflects a shift in the time that rain, sleet and snow will move in from the west, but it remains likely that, particularly in the western Scottish Borders, some snow will fall on higher routes, with some possible at lower levels also.

Locally, the forecast is for the weather front to move in to the area in the early evening, persisting over higher ground throughout the night and into the morning, with snow likely to turn to rain throughout the morning as temperatures rise.

The west and northern Scottish Borders are most likely to see some snowfall, with the central and eastern Borders largely remaining unaffected.

Kevin Sewell, Scottish Borders Council’s Assistant Emergency Planning Officer, said: “The latest information we have is that above 200m we may see up to 4cm of snow, with potentially up to 8cm on some of our highest routes in the west. Some snow may fall to lower levels, but it is unlikely to accumulate, however driving conditions may be difficult for a time during tonight.

“This is probably going to be our first taste of winter and we would encourage all residents to make sure they are prepared for the forthcoming months, and in particular sign up to the free messaging service SB Alert, which proved invaluable last winter in getting important messages out to residents and businesses during severe winter weather.”

The Council will carry out winter maintenance on a number of primary routes in the west of the region from 4pm this evening, with remaining first priority routes across the Borders being treated from 6pm. First priority routes and footpaths will be checked and treated as required from 6am on Wednesday.

Residents and businesses can sign up to SB Alert for free at www.sbalert.co.uk where they can select the type of alerts they want to receive, and whether they want them by email, text or phone.

More information on the current weather warning can be found on the Met Office website.