Sean Batty: Heavy rain forecast for parts of Scotland with more unsettled weather to come

Your social media feed is likely brimming today with cheerful photos of proud parents sending their smiling little ones off to school in places such as South Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire, Falkirk, Argyll and Bute, and Shetland.

My niece and nephew certainly looked delighted! But tomorrow might not have seen as many bright faces – sorry, Western Isles!

Unfortunately, Thursday’s forecast looks a bit soggy, especially for western areas, where some spots could see up to 70mm of rain. Thankfully, it won’t last all day.

For students heading in for their second day of school in Oban, Glencoe, Kilmelford, Taynuilt, and Dalmally, rainfall could reach 30-35mm — about five days’ worth of rain, falling overnight and into Thursday morning.

Similar amounts are expected around Loch Shiel, Fort William, Corran, Spean Bridge, and Strathan.

Sean's niece Jessica and nephew Noah heading for their first day at Burnside Primary, South Lanarkshire. — Sean’s niece Jessica and nephew Noah heading for their first day at Burnside Primary, South Lanarkshire. STV News

In the hills of Lochaber, Morvern, Ardnamurchan, Moidart, and Knoydart, rainfall may reach as much as 70mm — not a great morning for hillwalking.

Meanwhile, Angus, Fife, East Lothian, and the Borders will likely see a lot less, around 5mm of rain, but it’ll still be damp until late afternoon.

By Thursday afternoon, most areas will enjoy dry, sunny weather, but also fresher conditions, with temperatures sitting around 14-15C for the Hebrides and the west coast.

As we head into Friday and the weekend, expect a return to showery weather. However, many places, especially in the east, should stay mostly dry.

Looking further ahead, temperatures will remain cooler than usual, with more unsettled weather next week. But I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for those all-important first school day photos for pupils in Ayrshire and the Highlands.