Loud claps of thunder could be heard in Largs, Fairlie and West Kilbride this morning in an unusual phenomenon called 'Thunder snow'.

Clear rumbles were heard in Largs, Fairlie, and West Kilbride with people asking on social media what the mystery bangs were.

The Met Office explains what causes the bizarre mix of weathers.

A spokersperson said: "When thunderstorms form in wintry conditions they can sometimes give rise to heavy downpours of snow which are often called 'thundersnow'.

"When thunderstorms form in wintry conditions they can sometimes give rise to heavy downpours of snow. This, along with the usual thunder and lightning, is called 'thundersnow'.

"Thundersnow is unusual only because it can only occur in a few months of the year.

"When thundersnow occurs at night the lightning appears brighter - this is because the light reflects off the snowflakes."

Interestingly, the snow contained within the thunderstorm acts to dampen the noise of the thunder.

While the thunder from a typical thunderstorm might be heard many miles away, the claps during a thundersnow event will only be heard if you are within two to three miles of the lightning. 

There were reports of thunderstorm around Scotland today including in Edinburgh and the east coast.