A Met Office yellow warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain is in place across all of Scotland on Friday, following days of baking temperatures that neared record June highs. The warning, which takes effect from 3pm on Thursday for Inverness and much of the north, expands to cover the entire country except Shetland throughout Friday.
Near-Record Heat Precedes Dramatic Change
Temperatures reached 29.4C at Dyce in Aberdeen on Tuesday, according to Met Office data, with the high 20s recorded across large parts of the country. Forecasters predicted temperatures could rise into the low 30s on Thursday, potentially breaking Scotland's June temperature record of 32.3C, set at Ochtertyre in Perthshire on June 18, 1893. However, rainier conditions sweeping in from the north-west are set to bring a dramatic change.
Thunderstorm Warning Details
The Met Office warned of a small chance that homes and businesses could flood, while storms and lightning strikes could cause travel disruption. The forecast stated: "Spells of heavy rain and thunderstorms initially over north-west Scotland are likely to become more widespread during Friday morning. Further thunderstorms and spells of heavy rain are possible in the afternoon before becoming confined to more northern areas of Scotland later in the day." Frequent lightning, large hail up to 4cm in diameter, and locally gusty winds are also expected.
ScotRail Warns of Heat-Related Disruption
Amid the hot weather, ScotRail warned that high temperatures can pose challenges for the railway as steel rails expand in direct sunlight. Temporary speed restrictions may be introduced on some routes to ensure safe operations, potentially leading to slightly longer journey times and minor service alterations. Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: "As temperatures rise across Scotland this week, we're encouraging customers to take a few simple steps to help ensure they have a safe and comfortable journey. Staying hydrated, checking your journey before travelling, and speaking to a member of staff if you feel unwell can all make a big difference. Hot weather can also create challenges for the railway, and there may be occasions where temporary speed restrictions are introduced to maintain the safe operation of services."
Water Scarcity Risk Emerges
On Thursday, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) reported that the dry weather is causing a risk of water scarcity in some areas. In the Tyne catchment in Lothian, Sepa reported "moderate scarcity" of water. Eilidh Johnston, senior leader in compliance at Sepa, said: "Recent warm and dry weather has seen our first moderate scarcity warning of the year issued for the Tyne catchment in Lothian. Several areas across the east of the country have also moved to alert status. Conditions remain drier than normal across several eastern catchments and river flows are low to very low for this time of year there. As a result, there remains a risk of water scarcity developing into summer, particularly across the east, if summer rainfall is lower than normal."
