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04 July 2025

Scotland Faces Heavy Rain And Strong Winds Warning

A 33-hour yellow weather warning predicts persistent heavy rain and gusty winds across western and highland Scotland, raising concerns over travel disruptions and flooding risks this weekend

Scotland is bracing for a significant weather event this weekend as the Met Office has issued a 33-hour yellow weather warning for heavy rain and strong winds, set to begin at 6am on Friday, July 4, and continue until 3pm on Saturday, July 5. This persistent downpour is expected to bring challenging travel conditions, possible flooding, and disruptions to daily life across much of the country’s west coast and highland regions.

The warning covers a vast area stretching from Bute in the south to Rubha Mòr in the north, including key locations such as Mull, Skye, Fort William, and the northern tip of Arran. It also encompasses western coastal towns and islands like Largs in North Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Argyll and Bute, as well as stretches up to the Highlands near Ullapool. Additional areas affected include Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire, and parts of the Highlands including Portree, Fort William, and Tobermory.

According to the Met Office, rain is expected to be "persistent, and heavy at times, during much of Friday and overnight, before slowly easing later on Saturday." They predict that 40 to 60 millimeters of rain will accumulate quite widely, with some mountainous areas receiving in excess of 100 millimeters. Alongside the heavy rain, strong winds will batter the coasts and hills, with gusts reaching 40 to 50 miles per hour, especially during Friday daytime.

This weather system follows closely on the heels of an earlier yellow warning issued just days ago on Wednesday, July 2, which brought thunderstorms and heavy downpours to parts of southeast Scotland and Edinburgh. While those alerts have since expired, the relentless weather underscores a challenging start to the summer holidays for many Scots.

The impact on daily life is expected to be significant. The Met Office warns of spray and flooding on roads, which will likely extend journey times and complicate travel plans. Bus and train services are anticipated to face disruptions, making public transport less reliable during this period. Additionally, there is a possibility of interruptions to power supplies and other essential services as the stormy weather continues to lash the region.

Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and prepare adequately. The Met Office advises people to avoid traveling by road during potentially hazardous conditions. For those who must venture out, they recommend driving cautiously and staying alert to rapidly changing weather and road conditions. Importantly, the public is reminded that it is not safe to drive, walk, or swim through floodwater. In case of encountering fast-flowing or deep water, individuals are instructed to call emergency services at 999 and wait for assistance.

Preparation extends beyond travel. The Met Office suggests assembling a flood kit to protect homes and businesses from potential damage. Such a kit should include insurance documents, a torch with spare batteries, a first aid kit, prescription medicines, supplies for family members or pets, as well as warm, waterproof clothing, blankets, food, and water. Furthermore, people are encouraged to check on vulnerable individuals in their communities, including older adults, those with underlying health conditions, and people living alone, who may require support with food and medical supplies during the adverse weather.

Despite the severe weather warnings, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has not issued any flood alerts or warnings at this time. However, the situation remains fluid, and residents are advised to stay updated through official channels.

The geographical scope of this warning is extensive. From the northern reaches of Gruinard Bay and Little Loch Broom, down through the western isles such as the Small Isles, Colonsay, Jura, and Skye, and pushing eastward into the Great Glen, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, and Greenock, the storm’s reach is broad. This wide coverage means that a diverse range of communities—from urban centers to remote highland villages—will need to prepare for the impending weather.

While Scotland faces this wet and windy spell, its neighbors to the south are enjoying a contrasting weather pattern, with a near-week-long heatwave and temperatures soaring to around 35 degrees Celsius. This stark difference highlights the variability of the UK’s weather and the challenges of forecasting and preparedness.

As Scotland navigates these difficult conditions, the message from the Met Office is clear: stay weather aware, take precautions, and prioritize safety. With the summer holidays underway, many families and individuals will have to adapt plans and remain vigilant as the heavy rains and strong winds test the resilience of communities across the country.