SOUTH Ayrshire is to be affected by snow and ice this evening.

The Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning for snow until midnight which could also result in public transport being cancelled.

Strong winds of up to 60mph with wintry showers are also to be expected.

Posting on their website the Met Office have said: "Strong winds, gusting up to around 60 mph in wintry showers, will continue across much of Scotland this afternoon and evening.

"Many of the showers will fall as snow away from western coasts, with ice, hail and lightning posing additional hazards. 10-20 cm of snow may accumulate over some higher ground during the day, with drifting and blizzard conditions at times.

"Several cm of snow may affect some lower-lying areas. Road and rail services may be affected with delays and cancellations possible. Expect longer journey times."

They later added: "Snow showers, initially affecting Northern Ireland and southwest Scotland, will progressively extend southeast to affect the rest of the warning areas during Thursday.

"There is the potential for disruption to transport networks with longer journey times. Icy stretches on untreated roads and pavements are also possible."

Chief Forecaster's assessment said: "A cold northwesterly airstream will extend southeastwards across the warning areas on Thursday bringing occasional snow showers.

"Around 2 cm of snow is possible even to low levels in places. 5-10 cm is possible on high ground above about 200 m."

Drivers are being advised to take extra care on the roads and expect possible delays.