Winter has struck Dundee — with temperatures of -5c recorded in the city today.
It was the coldest temperature since the start of the year, while the mercury also plummeted to -7C in Kirriemuir, Perth and Forfar.
In Dundee, the thermometer dropped to -5C at 7am today.
There were several more hours of sub-zero temperatures before it hit -2C around 12pm.
Forecasters from the Met Office said conditions in Dundee would not improve dramatically during the day.
They predicted a high of just 4C between 8pm and midnight. Tomorrow there will be strong north westerly winds, hitting 20mph at their most severe in the city, and the
temperature is expected to go no lower than 3C.
Rain is also expected, with snow in the hills and a maximum temperature of 8C. A spokesman for the Met Office said today had been the coldest period so far of this year’s autumn and winter.
He said: “The drop in temperature today has been down to cold air and light winds, coupled with clear skies overnight yesterday.
“It has become progressively colder as the temperature struggles to pick up. There was mist and fog lingering in Dundee yesterday, which again stopped the temperature picking up.”
The spokesman added that it is exactly a month until the winter solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year, which is regarded as the end of autumn and beginning of winter.
The Met Office said a midweek improvement was expected, with an increase in temperatures — albeit not tropical — but a more settled period, with the weather remaining dry, with light winds and sunny spells.
The best of the sunshine will be on Wednesday.
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “Tayside Division is urging anyone out on the region’s roads to take the utmost care following reports of icy conditions.
“Drivers should have the following information and advice in mind; increase the gap between your vehicle and the one in front.
“On slippery roads it can take up to 10 times longer to stop.
“Reduce your speed and allow more time to slow down. Stop by decelerating earlier, rather than rely on braking alone.
“Drive with care even if you think the roads have been treated.”