Snow in June on Scotland's mountains as Arctic air sweeps in

Snow in Cairngorms near AviemoreImage source, Peter Jolly/Northpix
Image caption,

A dusting of snow at Cairngorm Mountain snowsports centre near Aviemore on Tuesday

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Snow has been falling over some of Scotland's highest mountains with wind chill forecast to be -10C in the most exposed areas.

The Cairngorms were among upland areas to see a dusting on Tuesday.

Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) said Arctic air was affecting the hills, especially in the Highlands, and there had been significant wind chill.

BBC Weather said snow on mountain tops in June was not that unusual, and usually happened every three to five years on average.

Media caption,

Low pressure in charge brings snow to Scotland's hills

In 2010, more than 100 skiers took advantage of ski tows being open at the Cairngorm Mountain resort near Aviemore for the first time in midsummer.

Previously at this time of year people were able to ski in the Cairngorms, however, they had to trek to where the snow was.

Two temporary rope tows were provided over two days.

Cairngorm Mountain, along with Scotland's other mountain ski centres, had benefited from lengthy periods of freezing conditions over the winter.

Image caption,

Snow on the Cairngorms on Wednesday

Image source, Cairngorm Mountain
Image caption,

A cold winter ensured midsummer skiing at Cairngorm Mountain resort in June 2010

MWIS said the latest weather included a forecast for a mix of hail and snow falling over high ground.

It added: "Temperatures are likely to recover a little by the weekend and conditions will tend to improve, but good mountain weather is expected only from Monday onward."

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