The odds on a White Christmas have not been reduced by comments from weather experts as the Met Office predicted further snowfalls in the region this weekend.
Another severe weather warning for snow and ice in Moray that was first issued on Thursday remains in place, with roads continuing to provide dangerous conditions for motorists and police last night warning that the A941 Elgin to Rothes road was again badly affected by ice.
High winds swept over Moray overnight on Friday into this morning – and with temperatures expected to drop below freezing in Moray snow is expected to fall over Speyside with Aberlour, Grantown and Tomintoul in particular danger.
Other parts of Moray look unlikely to escape poor conditions on the final weekend for Christmas Shopping – sleet and snow can be expected in lower-lying areas from Lossiemouth and inland to Elgin, Fochabers and Keith, according to forecasters.
A Met Office spokeswoman said: “We will have some snow falling on higher ground but there will be problems with ice overnight – there will be quite low temperatures and a lot of sleet around.
“Lossiemouth and Forres will see sleet overnight with gusting winds while their will be more snow at places such as Aberlour and Grantown-on-Spey.”
Looking further ahead the Met Office say that weather will be unsettled with predictions for Christmas Day “typical winter weather that includes a bit of snow, rain and sunshine”.