Enjoy the sunshine - snow is coming after Scotland's warmest day

Much of the country enjoyed warm weather this week, with temperatures peaking at around 20C on Wednesday.

A peak of 20.2C was recorded in Fyvie, Aberdeenshire but the fickle March conditions delivered the warm conditions from a very cold start. Temperatures in the early morning at Fyvie sat at -2.9C.

The huge swings are known as the diurnal temperature range - the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures of the day, which tends to be at its greatest in Spring.

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Forecasters warned temperatures in Scotland have peaked for now and are expected to plummet from Sunday, when persistent rain and strengthening wind will come in from the north west following a weekend of increasing cloud.

Temperatures will be down to single digits by Wednesday, bringing a return to wintry weather for some areas.

Temperatures are expected to hover at or a little below average, with frequent showers and blustery winds, the Met Office said.

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Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said Wednesday will signal a “cold plunge”, with snow possible in Scotland.

He said: “If we look at the temperature profile for the next few days, then we really notice that difference by the time we get to Wednesday.

“Temperatures by Wednesday (will be) single digits for many, and that’s the max, so it’s going to get cold at night. Probably the peak of that cold will be on Wednesday night, that’s when the cold plunge really comes in.”

Parts of northern Scotland could see snow on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, which would be a “shock to the system” after the fine weather enjoyed by many this week, Mr Deakin said.

“We could easily see some snow over the hills in Scotland. Nothing unusual about that at this time of year, but it will feel different because it has been so warm and sunny for many of us over recent times, so you’ll get that shock to the system,” he said.

Rain and wind will ease later in the week but temperatures are likely to remain cool, with the potential for overnight frost in some areas, the Met Office said.

Meanwhile, skies across the east coast have been in optimum condition for a display of the Northern Lights.

The natural phenomenon - known as the Aurora Borealis - was the result of increased solar activity sending energy towards Earth and interacting with our atmosphere.

Widespread displays were witnessed on the east coast on Friday , from Aberdeenshire in the north to Norfolk in the south.

Forecasters said that , with activity remaining high, further displays were anticipated last night.