Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde

Start time estimate: Thursday 5pm

End time estimate: Friday 12am

The Met Office has issued a Yellow rain alert for SW Scotland, Lothian Borders and Strathclyde until early Friday. All local areas affected are listed below.

Heavy downpours is set to hit the regions, beginning at around 5pm on Thursday and dying out by 12am on Friday.

The Yellow warning for rain was announced at 12:29pm on Thursday, October 2.

A Met Office forecast said: “Rain will become heavier and more persistent through Thursday afternoon and evening, before eventually clearing away to the east on Thursday night. Accumulations of 15-30 mm are expected fairly widely, with in excess of 40 mm possible over high ground. This following rainfall in previous days could cause a few impacts. Rain will also be accompanied by a period of stronger winds on Thursday evening, with gusts potentially up to 50 mph along some exposed coasts.”

What to expect

Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer; Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer; Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible.

What should you do during persistent rain?

Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.

Full list of local areas affected

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Dumfries and Galloway

Strathclyde
East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire

What is a yellow weather warning?

The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.

A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.

An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.

A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.

The Yellow weather alert for rain will remain in place until 12am on Friday.