Scotland to be lashed with thunder and 'intense' rain after Storm Jocelyn chaos

Scots across the country should make sure to pack umbrellas before heading out as the country is to be drenched in more rain today.

Following the uproar of Storm Jocelyn which resulted in widespread disruption, forecasters have predicted grim weather for the last days of the working week.

This is thanks to an active cold front migrating from Greenland that is set to bring more “strong” wind, thunder, and a small chance of the white stuff. But rather than foreseeing another stormy situation, conditions are said to be “business as usual”.

Speaking on Scotland’s outlook, Met Office meteorologist Clare Nassir said: “Through Thursday it does turn wet across most places, all though a bright start for Shetland, Orkney and Caithness.

“The rain will become quite intense across western parts and then we’ll see some showers to follow across the far west as the rain pushes ever northwards, reaching Shetland and Orkney through the afternoon. A showery end to the day as temperatures hold around six to 11C, milder around western areas, around 7C for the far north.”

People walking in the rain

More rain is expected overnight into Friday morning, with blustery weather and a risk of snow on higher ground, before returning to standard showers as the day goes on. Miss Nassir said conditions are due to an active cold front that will track from the west “right the way across Scotland” until early morning.

She continued: “Some heavy pulses of rain, the risk of snow over the high ground and some strong and sqoorly winds, associated with this rain band, and then we’re back to showers”.

Friday’s rain fall will be the most frequent across northern and western parts of Scotland that are set to turn heavy with a “risk of thunder”. Eastern and southern areas will experience some drier spells.

Last week, Storm Isha swept through the country with record-breaking 84mph winds, resulting in school closures, power cuts, falling debris and train cancellations. Finishing on Monday, this was was quickly followed by Storm Jocelyn, sparking more disruption – including flight disruptions – which officially ended on Wednesday.

As we go into next week, more wet weather is expected, but with more “drier, brighter interludes”. The Met Office’s long range forecast, spanning from Monday, January 29, until Wednesday, February 7, forecasts cloud and outbreaks of rain, heaviest in north-western areas, while more of the south remains dry.