Here is why Edinburgh could wake to the first snow of winter as BBC Weather signals a sharp midweek chill and a biting cold snap ahead

The first flakes could arrive quietly overnight.

November has been kinder than many expected, yet a turn now looks imminent across Edinburgh and the Lothians. A forecast from BBC Weather points to a sharp midweek drop, with the city tipped to see its first snow of the season as early as midweek. Commuters and families will feel the snap as temperatures lag in low single digits, and windshields frost up before dawn. Winter is about to make its point.

The guidance singles out Wednesday 19 November as the main pivot, with snow possible from the small hours before daybreak. Light showers of snow may ebb and flow through Thursday, before a wet, unsettled Friday takes over. Snow could arrive sooner than expected.

BBC Weather flags a midweek turn that could bring Edinburgh its first flakes

Forecasters at BBC Weather say a frosty dip will reach the capital from Wednesday 19 November, with the white stuff likely to nudge in overnight from Tuesday. Early on Wednesday, temperatures sit close to 1C, rising to only 2C by 10am while snow remains in the picture. Through the afternoon, rain pushes across the city and the thermometer briefly touches 4C, though lows fall to -1C.

The same outlook suggests snow returns at around 3pm as readings fall back toward 2C. Light snow then continues on and off into the evening and overnight, keeping pavements slick and grass verges dusted. It is an unsettled pattern that often catches out the first week of winter weather in Scotland, and it can feel raw even in short bursts.

Into Thursday 20 November, more snow is expected in the early hours before a pause after 10am. Rain looks set to come back from late morning, lingering until around mid afternoon. By evening the flakes may well be back again, with 8pm readings near 1C while the snow keeps coming.

What to expect day by day as the cold snap bites

• Wednesday 19 November: Snow possible before dawn with lows near 1C. By 10am around 2C with snow still in play. Afternoon turns wetter with rain and a brief lift to 4C. From 3pm snow restarts and light falls continue into the night, with lows dipping to -1C.
• Thursday 20 November: Snow in the early hours, easing after 10am. Rain returns from about 11am until around 4pm. Evening brings a fresh chance of snow, with 8pm readings close to 1C.
• Friday 21 November: Snowy conditions fade. Heavy showers move in and stick around, with temperatures hovering near 5C through the day.

That sequence paints a stop start spell, the kind that feels colder than the numbers show. Short windows of improving weather can be tempting, yet wet surfaces and slushy patches quickly turn slippery again as temperatures dip each evening. The morning school run and the late commute look the most at risk of minor disruption.

Cold mornings, wet afternoons, icy evenings what this means for daily life

Across Edinburgh, the pattern is simple to read and tricky to plan around. Mornings near 1C bring frosty windscreens and a few snow showers. By lunchtime, the city turns damp with passing rain. After dark, the chill returns, and any wet ground can glaze over in places as readings slide. That on and off rhythm is typical in practise when wintry showers meet marginal temperatures.

For those heading out, give yourself a little extra time, especially on hilly routes that hold cold air longer. Footpaths can feel fine underfoot until a light dusting lands and hides slick patches. Cyclists may prefer wider tyres and a slower pace while the showers roll through. Small adjustments help keep things steady while this first cold snap beds in.

At home, many will nudge the heating up for an hour at dawn and again after work. Keep an eye on rooms that trap moisture and favour good ventilation to avoid condensation building on windows during the drop to -1C. Simple layers work best once showers arrive, as it is easy to peel off when the rain lifts and add back when the evening chill bites again.

Parents watching the forecast for Wednesday to Friday will note the key windows. Early Wednesday and late Thursday look most wintry, with light snow spells and temperatures around 1C to 2C. Friday swaps flakes for frequent showers while sitting near 5C, so soggy coats and sturdy shoes will be the order of the day. For many, it will feel like the moment winter finally turns up.

As always with early season snow, conditions can vary from street to street. But the headline holds steady from BBC Weather. A midweek chill, a brush with the first snow of winter, and a damp, breezy finish into the weekend.