Many took to social media to express an element of surprise at snow falling over Scotland on Thursday morning.

However, according to one man in the know, it is not actually that unusual.

STV weather presenter Sean Batty says the snowy white showers at this time of year are normal despite many expecting them over the winter months instead.

While it may not amount to any traffic chaos, he noted that some areas in Scotland can on average see almost a fortnight of snow in April.

Sean said: "A lot of people have been fretting over the last few days about snow falling in April, but in actual fact it's perhaps not quite as uncommon as some may think.

"On Wednesday a Timehop popped up on my phone reminding me of a tweet that I put out last year."

He added: "So, you see April can have pretty big mood swings, one minute you could be out with the paddling pool, then the next looking for a carrot for your snowman.

"In the Northern Isles snow can be expected to fall on about ten days in April, six to ten days in the Highlands, three days in Inverness and Aberdeen and on one or two days in the central lowlands.

"On the Cairngorms falling snow will generally be reported on more than 14 days in the month of April. In May snow of course becomes less common, although on average there will still be a few days of falling snow in the Highlands, the Isles of Lewis and the Northern Isles."

And you should always be prepared for snow at any time of year. Even in June.

The STV weather presenter said: "On June 2, 1975, the east of Scotland experienced snow showers on a chilly northerly. Even London reported snow, which was the first time since 1888 that snow and sleet had been reported as widely so far south during the summer. Several cricket matches were abandoned due to snow."

After these reactions today, how much social media flurry would we see for snow in the summer?

Or anywhere else.

Sean added: "Back to the here and now, and heavy snow is expected above 100 metres during today and tonight across central and southern Scotland. At low levels there will a mix of rain, sleet and snow, although there could well be a few spots that see some settling snow during tonight.

"Above 100 metres we could see 3-6cm and over 10cm above 200 metres. On the higher parts of the A82, A84, A85, M74 and the A7 conditions could be quite poor later this afternoon and overnight. Milder weather will return from the Atlantic this weekend, but so will the wind and rain."