Scotland is preparing for heavy rain and thunderstorms as a yellow weather warning has been issued for the majority of the country. The warning will be in effect from just after midnight on Saturday until 6pm.

The affected areas include Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish Borders, the central belt, the north east, Tayside, Fife, and parts of the Highlands. SEPA has also issued multiple amber flood warnings for most of the country starting Saturday morning.

Forecasters have cautioned that there is a risk of fast-flowing or deep floodwater posing a danger to life. The heavy rain and thunderstorms could lead to sudden flooding, creating difficult driving conditions and road closures.

Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads, and bus and train services could face delays and cancellations. Rainfall amounts are expected to vary, with some areas receiving up to 30-50 mm of rain in a few hours. In certain locations, rainfall could reach 60-80 mm, accompanied by strong gusts and hail.

This weather warning follows a period of warm temperatures across Scotland, with the mercury climbing up to 24C in areas like Glasgow and North Lanarkshire. STV meteorologist Sean Batty has highlighted the increasing risk of thundery downpours as humidity rises, particularly on Saturday.

He anticipates widespread torrential downpours and thunderstorms, especially in central, southern, and eastern Scotland. Some areas could experience as much as 30mm of rain in just a few hours, equivalent to two weeks' worth of rainfall for parts of eastern Scotland.