Weather: Scotland set for heavy rain

Much of the country is expected to be lashed with downpours, creating a risk of flash flooding, particularly in the west of Britain.

While athletes and fans in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games were warned to pack their brollies - Scotland will endure the worst of the deluge - forecasters warned it would rain all weekend.

Billy Payne, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: “It is very unsettled across the country. We have got showers and longer spells of rain.

“There is going to be a lot of rain and thunderstorms. It will feel very different from the fine weather we have had recently.”

Scotland has enjoyed soaring temperatures for the past few weeks, but things will turn far cooler over the next few days.

The mercury will hit a high of around 24C in East Anglia today, but will hover in the late teens in the north.

Mr Payne added: “Through the rest of the week there is going to be some rain and showers moving in from the west. And you will certainly notice the breeze pick up everywhere, we will experience gusts.

“There is a danger of flash flooding, there is certainly some surface water flooding possible as a result of the rain. there will be unseasonable summer storms.”

The Met Office has issued an orange flood alert in the Midlands, warning that flooding is possible and people should be prepared.