Scotland weather: 'Persistent and heavy rain' forecast in Scotland as Met Office issues three-day yellow alert

The forecasters said the rain, which will intensify from midday on Wednesday and into Thursday and Friday, may lead to flooding and travel disruption.

The warning is in place from noon on Wednesday until noon on Friday.

What areas are covered?

The areas covered by the yellow warning are:

• Angus
• Dundee
• Fife
• Perth and Kinross
• Stirling
• Aberdeen
• Aberdeenshire
• Moray
• Highland

What should I expect?

The Met Office forecasters said: “Rain, whilst intermittent at first on Wednesday, will become persistent and heavy over high ground later in the day, continuing into Thursday and potentially Friday.

“Rainfall accumulations of 30-60 mm are likely fairly widely inland, with as much as 80-120 mm possible over the highest ground exposed to the brisk southeasterly winds.

“Given the nature of the ground following recent rain and snow thaw, this may lead to some flooding in places.

“Rainfall totals will be smaller in coastal areas, but strong onshore winds and large waves at times will be additional hazards. In addition, rain will fall increasingly as snow over high ground, especially on Thursday and into Friday, adding to the uncertainty as to how quickly rivers may respond downstream.”

Is flooding likely?

The Met Office said the heavy rain may lead to some flooding in affected areas.

They said there is a “small chance” of of fast flowing or deep flood warning causing a danger to life, and a small likelihood of homes and businesses experiencing flood-related damage.

The forecasters warned that in areas affected by flooding, trains and bus services could be delayed or cancelled, while spray could lead to hazardous driving conditions and road closures.

The weather alert comes just weeks after the north east of Scotland faced one of its most serious snow events in the last twenty years, with a “major incident” declared by Aberdeenshire Council and hundreds of schools closed for several days.