Thunderstorm warning issued across central and southern Scotland

The Met Office warn up to 40mm of rain could be seen in the worst-hit areas within two to three hours, with travel disruption and localised flooding to be expected.

The alert read: “Slow moving thunderstorms and heavy showers may cause some disruption to travel and outdoor activities.”

The weather forecaster has urged people to check road conditions and amend travel plans if necessary.

“An unsettled weekend ahead unfortunately as low pressure dominates our weather giving us showers in places and longer spells of rain.

“The low pressure system currently in charge will stick around through the whole weekend, constantly spinning like a washing machine above us, pushing in bands of rain and showers. Some of the showers throughout Saturday and Sunday could be quite heavy and thundery which is why the Met Office have issued today’s thunderstorm warning.

“The warning runs until 10pm because after that the heaviest showers tend to ease and we will see some clear spells developing and mist and fog patches in rural parts. The showers pep up again throughout Sunday turning thundery through the afternoon so there is a chance we could see a further warning issued tomorrow.

“The warning is in place to make people aware of tricky travel conditions caused by the sudden downpours – such as surface water on the roads, low visibility due to hail, flooding like we saw yesterday in parts of Edinburgh city centre, and disruption to rail services. However the showers are very hit or miss, with some areas avoiding them completely, and others seeing several throughout the day.”