A yellow weather warning has been issued for 25 regions in Scotland as heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to sweep across the country this afternoon.
The Met Office warning covers the southern half of Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Perth. The national weather agency has warned that slow moving downpours could bring flooding, lightning strikes and hail across the affected areas.
Warning times and impact
The yellow warning comes into force at 11am on Sunday, August 30, and will remain in place until 9pm, with millions of people throughout Scotland expected to be impacted.
Scots in the affected areas are being urged to prepare for potential disruption as the unsettled conditions move across the country. The Met Office states: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms bringing some disruption to transport, infrastructure and outdoor activities."
Travel and power disruption
There is a chance that driving conditions could be affected by spray, standing water and hail, potentially leading to longer journey times for those travelling by car or bus.
Train services could also face delays, while some areas may experience short-term power cuts and disruption to other services.
Flooding and safety advice
The Met Office has also warned that a small number of homes and businesses could be affected by flooding, potentially causing damage to buildings and structures. Lightning strikes could also result in damage to a few buildings.
Those planning to travel are being urged to check the road conditions and public transport timetables before setting off and amend their plans if necessary.
Anyone caught outside when thunder is heard should seek a safe enclosed shelter, such as a car. The Met Office advises against sheltering under or near trees and other structures which could be struck by lightning. People on elevated ground should move to a lower area where possible.
Households are also being encouraged to prepare for the possibility of power cuts by gathering essential items such as torches, batteries and a mobile phone power pack.
Residents in areas at risk of flash flooding may also want to prepare a flood plan and emergency flood kit. As weather warnings can change quickly, people are being urged to keep up to date with the latest forecast for their local area.
Affected areas
The yellow weather warning covers a number of local authorities across Central, Tayside and Fife, Strathclyde and South West Scotland, Lothian and the Borders.
Regions and local authorities affected: Central, Tayside & Fife: Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling. Strathclyde: Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire. SW Scotland, Lothian Borders: Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian.
