Parts of Tayside and Fife have been warned to expect “heavy thunderstorms” and flooding this weekend, according to forecasters.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain across the area, effective on Saturday from noon until 9pm.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has also issued flood alerts for Tayside –Â covering almost all of Perth and Kinross – and the whole of Fife.
The Met Office said that “slow-moving” but “heavy” thunderstorms will pass through Scotland tomorrow afternoon, with Perth, Perthshire and much Fife expected to be affected.
However much of the east coast will dodge the thundery weather, which is expected to hit western and central parts of the country worst.
Angus, Dundee and much of eastern parts of Fife are not covered by the Met Office weather warnings, which warns of up to 2in of rain falling in a short space of time.
Met Office meteorologist Bonnie Diamond said: “A weather warning is in place for Northern Ireland and Scotland. For many it actually could be quite a nice weekend.
“Although there is a risk of showers, there is a lot of dry and warm weather around. It does look like western parts of Scotland in particular are most at risk of seeing these heavy bursts of rain and thundery showers we have warnings for.
“The Highlands, Dumfriesshire and central parts (are at risk) as well.
“Central parts of Scotland could see some showers but the east coast looks to be largely dry with a cooler breeze.
“The warning expires at 9pm on Saturday. There are no warnings for Sunday at the moment. There is a risk that you guys will possibly see the odd shower or two but the focus is across the western areas.”
The Met Office warning stated: “Many areas will remain dry on Saturday. However, where heavy showers do break out there is potential for 20mm (0.8in) rain to fall in less than an hour with 30-50mm (1.2in – 2in) possible in three hours.
“Hail may present an added hazard. The risk looks greatest across Northern Ireland first, from around midday, then extends eastwards across Scotland during Saturday afternoon, before showers and thunderstorms die out during the evening.”
Sepa said: “A flood alert has been issued for Tayside. Heavy and thundery showers are expected to affect the area on Saturday afternoon.
“It is not currently possible to predict exactly which areas will be affected, and some areas may miss the worst of the heavy rain.
“However, if the heaviest showers fall over built-up areas or fast-responding rivers there could be flooding to low-lying land, roads and buildings and disruption to travel.
“People should be aware and prepared to act. The risk is expected to decline into Saturday evening, but there is potential for further heavy showers in some areas on Sunday afternoon.”
