Scotland is to experience freezing conditions and wintry showers as an Arctic blast comes to the UK.

According to the Met Office, areas of low pressure will begin moving in with gusts of chilly air spreading across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

While spring may be here, the weather is likely to feel more wintry than is usually the case for this time of year.

Much of this will be focused in the north and north-east of Scotland, with a chance of snow falling in some areas.

Met Office says it could take until the May bank holiday for milder temperatures to return to Scotland

Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “This week will see temperatures below average for the time of year for many. Blustery winds will become confined to the far northeast overnight, with winds falling light elsewhere. This will allow widespread frost by night, though in sunshine by day, it should feel pleasant enough.

"Wintry showers will continue across the northeast, becoming confined to Orkney and Shetland by tomorrow afternoon."

Looking ahead to the upcoming May bank holiday, deputy chief meteorologist Nick Silkstone said: “It will potentially take until the end of the week for the milder air to push as far north as northern Scotland.”

What is the Met Office weather forecast for Scotland and the UK this week

Wintry showers are set to continue throughout much of northern Scotland with some areas experiencing glimmers of sunshine.

From Thursday to Saturday, cloud coverage could increase with heavy rains possible ahead of the May bank holiday.

Further south, residents could look forward to warmer temperatures throughout much of the weekend.