Areas across the country are expected to experience heavy showers, thunderstorms, and hail on Wednesday, leading to potential power cuts and flash flooding.
The Met Office has issued a new yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, cautioning that strong winds, floodwater, lightning strikes, and hail could cause damage to buildings.
The warning will take effect at 10 am and last until 9 pm, affecting parts of northern Scotland. The forecast predicts slow-moving showers and thunderstorms with the potential to bring 20-30mm of rain in 1-2 hours and up to 50mm in some areas over 3-6 hours, possibly resulting in localized flash flooding and transportation disruptions.
In addition to property damage and flooding, the Met Office has highlighted the risk of challenging driving conditions, road closures, and possible travel disruptions for trains and buses. There is also a slight chance of power outages affecting homes and businesses.
Residents are advised to prepare for the adverse weather conditions by securing outdoor items and gathering essential supplies like torches and mobile phone chargers.
Areas like Central, Tayside & Fife, Grampian, and Highlands & Eilean Siar are expected to be particularly affected. Northern Ireland is also under a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, with potential travel disruptions, flooding, and power issues.
Meanwhile, firefighters in England and Wales are combating wildfires amid high temperatures and drought conditions. Wales and parts of England are facing drought conditions with temperatures remaining in the high 20s.