Scotland set to be hit by heavy rain and thunderstorms as yellow warning issued by Met Office

Latest updates

Met Office issues Thunderstorms warning for most of Scotland
SEPA has also issued multiple amber flood warnings for most of the country from Saturday morning
Forecasters warned that there is a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing a danger to life

A yellow weather warning has been issued as heavy rain and thunderstorms are set to batter parts of Scotland.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the majority of the country, which comes into force just after midnight on Saturday until 6pm.

The weather alert covers Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish Borders, the central belt, the north east, Tayside, Fife and parts of the Highlands.

SEPA has also issued multiple amber flood warnings for most of the country from Saturday morning.

“If the rain falls on the transport network or built-up areas, there is potential for some disruptive surface water flooding impacts, including: flooding to low-lying land and roads, disruption to travel and flooding of properties.

“Small rivers may also respond and could cause similar impacts,” a SEPA spokesperson said.

Forecasters warned that there is a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing a danger to life.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms could also lead to sudden flooding, with motorists warned of difficult driving conditions and road closures.

Insight

Scotland set for sizzling temperatures and thundery downpours in the coming days

Sean Batty

The Met Office added that some communities could be cut off by flooded roads, adding that bus and train services could also be subject to delays and cancellations.

Rainfall will vary across the warning area, with some places avoiding the heaviest rain. However, around 15-30 mm of rain is likely, with some areas perhaps seeing 30-50 mm rainfall in a few hours.

Forecasters said rainfall could reach 60-80 mm in some locations, with strong gusts and hail also possible.

It comes after days of warm temperatures across Scotland, with the mercury reaching up to 24C in areas such as Glasgow and North Lanarkshire.

STV meteorologist Sean Batty previously said the heat would be accompanied by rising humidity and a growing risk of thundery downpours in the days ahead.

He added that Saturday is looking to be the most unsettled day, with widespread torrential downpours and thunderstorms, especially in central, southern, and eastern Scotland.

“Some areas could see as much as 30mm of rain in just a few hours – the equivalent of two weeks’ worth of rainfall for parts of eastern Scotland,” Sean added.