Scotland’s weather: Heavy rain, thunder expected

SOUTHERN parts of Scotland are expected to be hit with heavy rain as severe weather warnings have been issued across Britain for Saturday.

Southern parts of Scotland will be hit with rain and thunder on Saturday, forecasters say. Picture: Robert Perry

Forecasters predict wet, thundery weather will also batter parts of England and Wales.

The Met Office has urged the public to be aware of the potential for localised flooding due to the intensity of the storms.

A yellow severe weather warning has been issued, meaning there is a moderate risk of some damage to infrastructure and local disruption.

Eddy Carroll, Met Office chief forecaster, said: “Warm, humid air is likely to be pulled northwards from France late on Friday and during Saturday.

“Within this air mass, there is an increasing likelihood that heavy, thundery showers will break out. It is likely that many places within the current broad warning area will miss the worst of the storms; over the next few days it may be possible to focus on the areas most at risk.”

The rainfall is not expected to last for a long period of time, but short, sharp downfalls could cause flooding. There is also a chance of hail.

Temperatures will be highest in the South East, where the mercury could hit the mid to high 20s.

The Met Office stressed that warm, humid conditions and thunder storms are often experienced in the UK.

Last month the Shard in south London - western Europe’s tallest building - was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm.

A landmark study by the Met Office and Newcastle University published earlier this week warned that climate change could result in heavier summer rainfall in Britain, which in turn could increase the risk of flash flooding.