Thunderstorm warning for Scotland and Northern Ireland

A widespread yellow weather warning for thunderstorms is in effect across much of Scotland and Northern Ireland on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, with significant disruption to travel and daily life anticipated throughout the day and evening. The Met Office issued the warnings, cautioning residents of heavy, slow-moving showers capable of producing lightning, hail, and intense rainfall.

The primary warning area encompasses central Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, and the Lothians, as well as Strathclyde, Grampian, and Fife. This alert is active from midday until 10 p.m. A separate yellow warning covers Northern Ireland, effective from approximately noon until 9 p.m. Forecasters warned that while not all locations within the broad warning zones will experience the most severe conditions, accumulations of 15 to 30 millimeters of rain within an hour are possible, with some isolated areas potentially receiving up to 50 millimeters over several hours.

The primary risks include flash flooding, which could lead to rapid inundation of some homes and businesses, resulting in property damage. Sudden flooding and spray are expected to create difficult driving conditions, with a...