After enduring a record-breaking 21-day sunless streak, Aberdeen residents finally saw the sun on Thursday, marking the end of the longest period without sunshine since Met Office records began in 1957. The Granite City, known for its typically grey skies, recorded 30 minutes of sunshine in the Dyce area late in the afternoon, bringing much-needed relief to locals.

"It's honestly very strange," said Kate Finlay, a University of Aberdeen student. "I was really taken aback to be honest. It's been pretty miserable, so I'm so happy that it's finally back."

The prolonged gloom was attributed to a "blocked weather pattern," which also brought heavy rainfall to the region. January saw more than 277mm of rain in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, nearly four times the monthly average. This weather pattern has affected various sectors, including agriculture and infrastructure, with pothole repairs and football matches disrupted.

Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice across Scotland and northern England as an Arctic air mass sweeps in. Temperatures are expected to plummet, bringing the first widespread frost of February. Snowfall could reach up to 10cm in higher areas, posing potential hazards on untreated roads and pavements.

BBC Scotland weather presenter Judith Ralston noted, "With a change in weather type, we finally lose the stuck pattern of cloud, rain, and bitingly cold winds."

The UK's Health Security Agency has also issued alerts for colder weather, urging residents to prepare for the Arctic blast. Despite the challenges, the weekend promises some respite, with drier and brighter conditions expected.