Scotland's weather: 60mph gale warning for Sunday

Winds of up to 60mph are forecast to batter most of Scotland on Sunday, the Met Office warned today.

The yellow - “be aware” - severe weather alert is the first to be issued for strong winds since February.

The agency said it could disrupt outdoor activities and transport.

The warning area covers the whole of Scotland except eastern Aberdeenshire, Caithness and Orkney and Shetland, which are expected to escape the unseasonable blasts.

Wind speeds of 45-50mph are likely to be widespread between 5am and 7pm, reaching 60mph in some places.

Gusty conditions are also likely some distance downwind of hills and mountains at times.

The Met Office said: “Whilst the expected gusts are not exceptional for these areas of the country, increased outdoor activity at this time of year will lead to a greater likelihood of disruption.

“Please be aware of the potential for localised disruption to transport and susceptible outdoor activities.”

The strong winds are expected to develop from late Saturday and peak on Sunday morning before easing in the afternoon.

The Met Office said they would be caused by an area of low pressure developing in the western Atlantic which is expected to pass the northern UK as a relatively deep feature late on Saturday and during Sunday, with strong winds on its southern flank.

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