Thunderstorms hit Scotland with two day warning

Two days of severe storms threaten travel and safety as Scotland endures a heatwave.

Thunderstorms batter Scotland amid heatwave

Thunderstorms are forecast to sweep across Scotland on Wednesday and Thursday, with yellow weather warnings covering large parts of the country. The Met Office warns of heavy showers, gusty winds and the possibility of lightning, with rainfall reaching 50-60 mm in some areas and brief bursts of more than 40 mm in an hour. The warnings run from 2 pm Wednesday to late evening, and cover the whole country on Thursday.

The storms are set against a backdrop of unusually high temperatures, as parts of Scotland see readings well above the seasonal average. Travel disruption is expected as floodwaters can form quickly, affecting roads and rail, while ferry services may be affected in coastal regions. By Friday, a high pressure system is forecast to push in from the Atlantic, bringing drier and calmer conditions for the weekend, though temperatures may still ease gradually.

The unforgiving pairing of heat and sudden storms shows how weather patterns are changing in this part of the world. Officials must balance timely warnings with practical guidance so people can plan safely. The events also test infrastructure and resilience, from flood defenses to ferry and rail operators, as communities adapt to rapid shifts in conditions.

Highlights

Weather patterns remind us that preparation is part of daily life