Gales, heavy rain to hit Scotland

MEMBERS of the public have been warned to take care outdoors today, with forecasts of gales and several inches of rain for some parts of Scotland.

And the Met Office says there is no sign of better weather in the run-up to Midsummer's Day next week.

Bad weather also left Scots tennis ace Andy Murray without a match in London yesterday, as heavy rain postponed the final at the Queen's Club against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The clash has been re-scheduled for 12:30pm today.

The Met Office yesterday issued a severe weather warning for Grampian, the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland.

Heavy downpours could produce 30 to 40mm of rain today, with up to 60mm in places.

The rain will be accompanied by gale-force winds, which could disrupt ferry sailings to Orkney and Shetland.

Met Office forecaster Dave Rigby said: "It says June and it should be summer - it just doesn't feel like it right now. Tuesday should be better, particularly for eastern Scotland, but it sadly deteriorates after that.

"Going into next weekend, the picture is dominated by low pressure, which suggests very unsettled conditions."

Midsummer's Day falls next Tuesday, but there's bad news for anyone expecting blue skies.

Mr Rigby added: "There is no indication that this unsettled period will end soon. Next week will be dominated by the same low pressure we've got now."