Scotland weather: Met Office warning for thunderstorms to come into force as good weather ends

A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms will come into force this weekend in Scotland, bringing the week’s clear skies and sunshine to an end.

The Met Office said the alert will be in effect from 2pm on Sunday until 4am on Monday.

It applies to all of the western half of the country, including most of the Highlands and the central belt.

The north east, Edinburgh and the Borders will escape the warning.

Many of us will see sunny skies this afternoon 🔅

A few showers will develop across northern areas with some low cloud just moving into eastern coasts from time to time 🌦️

In the sunshine though it will be feeling very warm 🌡️ pic.twitter.com/JH4oUykC2T
— Met Office (@metoffice) May 11, 2024

Temperatures soared on Saturday to the mid 20s and will fall slightly going into Sunday to the mid-teens and early 20s for much of Scotland.

Clouds will begin to form from Saturday onwards as the risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms increases.

The Met Office said spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions while there is a small chance that some communities may be cut off due to flooding.

“Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services,” the weather agency said.

“There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.”

⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️

Heavy showers and thunderstorms across parts of Scotland

Sunday 1400 – Monday 0400

Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs

Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/FipqrXRFJA
— Met Office (@metoffice) May 11, 2024

Forecasters are also warning of the risk of fast-flowing or deep floodwater that could cause a danger to life.

The Met Office added: “Heavy showers, some thundery, are likely to break out over parts of western Scotland during Sunday afternoon.

“Further spells of heavy rain, with a chance of thunder in places, most likely the south, follows from the south during Sunday evening.

“Some intense downpours are possible in a few places, giving 20 to 30 mm in less than hour and perhaps 30-50 mm over two to three hours leading to surface water flooding.”

Clear skies on Friday night, along with increased sun activity, meant the Northern Lights were visible for many Scots.

Northern Lights were visible across most of Scotland on Friday night. STV News

The aurora borealis was seen far more south than usual that night and could continue into Saturday night for some areas.

The bands of pink and green light were seen across the UK and in parts of Europe after an “extreme” geomagnetic storm caused them to be more visible, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Chris Snell, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said there were sightings “from top to tail across the country”.