The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for large parts of Scotland, where residents can expect heavy downpours, lightning, and strong winds from 1pm to 8pm today. The alert covers central and eastern areas, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, and Dundee, as well as parts of the Highlands and Aberdeenshire.
Forecasters anticipate that some areas could see between 20-30mm of rain fall within a few hours, with isolated spots potentially experiencing up to 40mm. This volume of rainfall increases the risk of localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas where drainage systems may struggle to cope. The Met Office has also highlighted the possibility of hail in some locations.
The warning follows a period of unseasonably warm weather across Scotland, with temperatures reaching highs of 20-22°C in recent days. This sudden shift in weather patterns underscores the variability of spring conditions in the UK, where warmer spells often precede significant thunderstorm activity.
Potential impacts include difficult driving conditions due to surface water and spray, leading to longer journey times. There is also a small chance of power cuts and disruption to other services. Public transport, including bus and train services, could face delays or cancellations.
Residents in affected areas are urged to exercise caution when travelling and stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and local authority advice. Practically, this means checking local flood risks, securing loose outdoor items, and avoiding unnecessary travel during the peak of the storms. If driving, reduce speed, use headlights, and be aware of potential standing water.
Looking ahead, while the immediate thunderstorm threat is localised to Scotland, other parts of the UK are experiencing more settled but cooler conditions. Temperatures across England are generally between 12-16°C, with Wales seeing similar figures and Northern Ireland ranging from 10-14°C. Wind speeds across the UK are moderate, typically between 10-20 mph, but could gust higher during thunderstorms.
Source: Met Office