Yellow warning for thunderstorms across Edinburgh and Central Belt

Hail and lightning are forecast in some parts of the country.

Heavy rainfall is expected across Edinburgh and Scotland’s Central Belt this afternoon as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning.

Thunderstorms are forecast today between 4pm and midnight encompassing parts of West Lothian and Falkirk to North Lanarkshire, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.

Lightning and hail are likely in parts of the country and heavy downpours may cause flooding in areas that may see 30 to 40 mm in one to two hours.

Lighting strikes above Edinburgh during a thunderstorm

A statement from the Met Office said: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop late this afternoon and through the early evening, moving slowly northwest, before slowly fading overnight.

“The most intense rainfall is likely across parts of central Scotland during the early evening, and then across northwest Scotland.

“Whilst not all areas will see the heaviest rain, some places may see 30 to 40 mm in one to two hours which may lead to localised flooding.

“Lightning and hail are also likely.”