Scotland’s weather: Flood warnings, but weather is to improve

SCOTLAND was placed on flood alert yesterday, after parts of the country saw half-a-month’s rain fall in just 24 hours. Following Friday’s drenching, the Met Office issued severe weather alerts, warning of downpours, isolated flooding and dangerous driving conditions across much of southern Scotland.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) also issued six alerts covering most of southern Scotland including the capital, warning flooding was “likely”.

SEPA said: “We are monitoring the situation closely and issue updates and warnings as appropriate. Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property.”

More than three inches of rain fell in south-west Scotland between midnight and lunchtime yesterday, with more downpours during the afternoon. The area averages 92mm of rain in the whole of June.

While the southern half of the country was worst affected, stormy conditions made things difficult on Highland roads and ferries.

Drivers were warned of high winds on the A87 Skye Bridge. A number of Cal Mac services were disrupted, including the Uig to Tarbert crossing and the Ardrossan to Brodick ferry.

Ruth Steele of the Met Office said: “The worst of the rainfall has been in the south of Scotland, but stretching up into Ayrshire and Lanarkshire. It’s been caused by an area of low pressure centred over the Irish Sea.”

Better weather is on its way, though, as the stormy weather moves out into the North Atlantic.

According to the Met Office, Scotland will see brighter, drier conditions today across all but the most northerly parts, who will hang on to the cloud and showery weather.

Where rain does fall, however, the showers are expected to be heavy and slow moving. Temperatures will also improve across the country, as the cold easterly wind drops away, allowing the mercury to rise from a chilly 11C to 17C.