The Met Office has warned Scots of a 'risk of lightning and thunder showers' today (August 4) as heavy downpours hit the country. With the miserable weather predicted to continue throughout the week, having an umbrella on hand is a necessity.
Heavy rainfall and surface water risks
Weather maps have turned Scotland blue as continuous bands of rain are set to travel across the country on Tuesday. Some areas are expected to be hit by up to 32mm of rain, with the Met Office warning that issues may occur due to surface water.
Meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said: "Intense rainfall on Tuesday morning. A lot of cloud around, some heavy downpours as well as this rain pushes northwards throughout the morning."
"The heaviest rainfall is likely to be across more western areas into Tuesday morning, but as that bumps into the more easterly winds that could bring more intense rainfall for the eastern areas as well," she added.
Thundery downpours and gusty winds
Shuttleworth continued: "Turns a little bit more showery in nature into Tuesday afternoon, but there is a risk of some thundery downpours as well. Also a risk of lightning into the afternoon and some intense gusty winds as well."
While the rain is a welcomed reprieve from the dry spell the UK has endured, the amount of rainfall in a very short period could cause issues with surface water and road conditions.
Driving safety advice
The Met Office urges motorists to drive safely and plan ahead if they must drive during heavy rain. Drivers are urged to use their dipped headlights if visibility is seriously reduced.
Additionally, a good rule of thumb is that 'if it's time for your wipers, it's time to slow down'. This applies even in moderate rainfall and will keep you, other road users and pedestrians safe.
Wednesday forecast
Looking to Wednesday (August 5), the wet conditions are set to continue. Shuttleworth explained: "On Wednesday, a very similar story. The winds turning around that area of low pressure."
"So, the focus of the rainfall could return in from the north, pushing into more central areas of Scotland later on Wednesday. A wet picture for the next few days," she said.
Temperatures are set to be a bit cooler on Wednesday, with the north of Scotland sitting at highs of 15C due to strong and gusty winds. Aberdeen is expected to be the warmest area in Scotland midweek, reaching a high of 19C on Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, Glasgow and Edinburgh are set to sit at 17C as cloudy and showery conditions continue, though there may be a chance for some sunshine in between the rainfall.
