While thousands have been flocking to parks and beaches to enjoy the sun this week, Scots are being warned to prepare for torrential downpours and potential flooding.
The mercury soared in large parts of the north and north-east today, marking one of the region’s hottest days of the year so far.
In the north, the temperature peaked in Aviemore where Met Office forecasters recorded a high of 28.2C.
Meteorologists are expecting the weather to remain warm over the coming days, but turn considerably wetter in the process.
Yellow warnings of thunderstorms have been issued for huge swathes of the country and will remain in place through until 9am on Saturday.
VIDEO: Three days of thunderstorms on the way for the north as Met Office issues warning
Wet weather caused disruption to rail lines at Lochailort with a landslip flooding the tracks between Mallaig and Fort William earlier today.
Here are some images of the flooding and damage from our people on site. pic.twitter.com/TbaZAfRMOR
— Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) June 25, 2020
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) issued 11 flood alerts for the north and west of Scotland, stretching from Caithness and Sutherland to Dumfries and Galloway.
It also included Skye and the Western Isles in its warnings.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected over the West of Scotland over the course of this afternoon and overnight. This will increase the risk of surface water flooding on roads and built up areas.
Stay up to date with all flood alerts at https://t.co/hg7MKkTXFa pic.twitter.com/8Awd76Q3SV
— Scottish Environment Protection Agency (@ScottishEPA) June 25, 2020
A spokeswoman said: “Most places will stay dry, but if your area is affected by a heavy shower this may lead to localised flooding from surface water and small watercourses.
“The greatest risk is if these occur over built-up areas and the transport network.
“Possible impacts may include flooding of low-lying land, roads, properties and disruption to travel.
“Thunderstorms are intense, localised, hard to predict and their flooding impacts vary.”
Warnings have also been issued for those areas likely to remain unaffected by any wet weather.
Beachgoers are being urged to take extra care to stay safe and the RNLI has warned people not to go into the sea on lilos or other inflatables, as doing so could lead them into trouble and risk their lives.
Michael Avril, the organisation’s Scottish water safety lead, said: “In Scotland we often experience strong offshore winds and fast tides which can see somebody dragged far out of their depth in a matter of seconds.
“At this point, people will often panic and abandon their inflatable which leaves them suddenly immersed in very cold water and at a serious risk of drowning.
“We’d ask the public to please leave the inflatables at home or in a pool this summer.
“They don’t belong on a beach or in the sea.”
