Scotland issued thunderstorm warning as hail and lightning to disrupt travel

A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued by the Met Office for Scotland this week as people are being warned to stay safe while travelling.

The weather alert has been issued for Tuesday, May 28 and will begin at 3pm before concluding at 11:59pm this evening. It will mostly affect Strathclyde and the Borders. Another fresh thunderstorm warning is in place for Wednesday, May 29, which will start at 10am and end by 7pm.

Forecasters have said that heavy showers and thundery weather may bring “torrential downpours” could cause issues with travel and potentially flooding in some areas. Hail, lightning and strong winds are also expected, alongside an inch of rain which is expected to fall in the space of a couple of hours.

In the warning, forecasters said: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms will spread eastwards this afternoon before slowly fading later this evening. Where storms are particularly frequent 20 to 30 mm of rain may build up over 2 or 3 hours. Frequent lightning, hail and gusty winds will be additional hazards in some places.”

Meteorologists said in their warning: “Early showers on Wednesday will become heavier and more widespread later in the morning for the afternoon. Where showers and storms develop they could be slow-moving and prolonged, bringing 15-20 mm of rain in less than an hour and potentially 30-40 mm in a few hours. Lightning and hail will be additional hazards.”

Scots are being told to be aware of potential flooding in their area and prepare an emergency kit if they are more susceptible to excess rainfall disrupting their home. Met Office forecasters said: “Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Before gusty winds arrive, check to ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences.”

Motorists are also being told to plan their journey ahead of time and check road conditions before heading out to give themselves the best chance of avoiding delays or any unexpected issues.

The BBC Weather’s interactive weather map has shown a large band of heavy rainfall leading in from the western coast and covering Scotland as they confirm large downpours for both Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

Areas affected by yellow thunderstorm warning for Tuesday, May 28

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

• Dumfries and Galloway
• East Lothian
• Midlothian Council
• Scottish Borders

Strathclyde

• East Ayrshire
• South Ayrshire
• South Lanarkshire

Areas affected by yellow thunderstorm warning for Wednesday, May 29

Central, Tayside and Fife

• Angus
• Clackmannanshire
• Dundee
• Falkirk
• Fife
• Perth and Kinross
• Stirling

Grampian

• Aberdeen
• Aberdeenshire
• Moray

Highlands and Eilean Siar

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

• East Lothian
• Edinburgh
• Midlothian Council
• West Lothian

Strathclyde

• Argyll and Bute
• North Lanarkshire

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