When Scotland's 24C weather ends as Met Office issues two-day thunderstorm warning

After weeks of wet and chilly weather, Scotland's first warm spell of the year has arrived, with temperatures hitting up to 24C.

Sun-starved Scots will be rejoicing a taste of summer, but the Met Office has issued thunderstorm warnings across much of the country. Although the mercury may hit 27C in the UK this weekend, the Met Office has warned a 'change is on the way'.

A thunderstorm warning covering much of Scotland begins 2pm on Sunday and ends 4am Monday. The national forecaster has warned heavy showers and thunderstorms may wreak travel disruption on the roads over the 14-hour period.

Scotland's thunderstorm warning extends from the far north of Scotland down to the Borders. The Met Office warns the weather may cause road closures, delays and cancellations to train and bus services, with a 'small chance' some communities may be cut off by flooded roads.

Before the weather turns stormy, most places will be fine and very warm today (May 11). Forecasted temperatures on Saturday range from 24C in Glasgow and 23C in Dumfries to 19C in Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

At the same time, the good weather has coincided with a dramatic display of the Northern Lights. The strongest solar storm in decades arrived, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issuing a severe solar storm warning for the first time since 2005.

Come Sunday, the fine weather will 'break down', report the Met Office. The day will have a fine start, with mist and low cloud appearing into the northeast. Heavy showers or isolated thunderstorms will strike by 2pm when the warning begins.

In Scotland, the stormy weather will clear by 4am Monday. Highs will fall slightly, with 22C predicted in Glasgow, 21C in Edinburgh, down to 12C in Aberdeen. Thunderstorm warnings are also in effect for parts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris said: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to break out on Sunday morning, most likely across southwest England and Wales, but possibly also across western Northern Ireland too. They’ll track steadily north through the afternoon whilst probably growing into larger clumps of rain before clearing Scotland overnight."

He continued: "Some intense downpours are possible in a few places, giving up to 30mm in less than hour and perhaps 40-50mm over two to three hours. Hail, frequent lightning strikes and strong wind gusts will be additional localised hazards."

Next week, conditions will turn 'widely wet and unsettled conditions' due to low pressure. The Met Office says temperatures will also turn cooler through Monday, with temperatures nearer average for much of next week.

Regions and local authorities affected in Scotland

Central, Tayside & Fife

• Clackmannanshire

• Falkirk

• Fife

• Perth and Kinross

• Stirling

Highlands & Eilean Siar

• Eilean Siar

• Highland

North West England

• Cumbria

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

• Dumfries and Galloway

• West Lothian

Strathclyde

• Argyll and Bute

• East Ayrshire

• East Dunbartonshire

• East Renfrewshire

• Glasgow

• Inverclyde

• North Ayrshire

• North Lanarkshire

• Renfrewshire

• South Ayrshire

• South Lanarkshire

• West Dunbartonshire

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