That was our Indian summer, now it’s back to wind and rain

THE Indian summer has seen Scotland bask in balmy conditions with temperatures to beat traditional European hotspots.

But in true Scottish style, weather warnings are now in place ahead of widespread heavy rain across the country this week.

The Met Office has issued yellow ‘Be Aware’ warnings due to concerns over the downpours, which could lead to flooding and hazardous driving conditions.

It comes just days after Braemar, in Aberdeenshire, recorded the hottest day in the UK.

Last Wednesday, temperatures soared to 7 f (24c), hotter than Paris and equalling Barcelona. Unusually, Braemar also recorded the lowest UK temperature on the same day as, at dawn, it had been a chilly -1.3c (30f).

For the end of September and start of October, the unusually dry, warm weather countrywide has created summery conditions, with spectacular sunsets, crisp nights and fine days.

Today, though, rain is due to come in across the north of the country blown by strong winds.

A Met Office forecaster said: ‘Outbreaks of rain will spread north across Scotland on Monday afternoon. Rain will turn persistent, and heavy in places overnight and through much of Tuesday, accompanied by strong winds. The heaviest rain is likely to be over higher ground in the East during Tuesday. Rain will persist in the East on Wednesday, but ease in intensity as winds ease.

‘The public should be aware of the potential for disruption due to flooding and hazardous driving conditions.’

The weather warnings for rain apply to Aberdeenshire, Central, Tayside and Fife.

The Met Office spokesman added: ‘It is a noticeable change from the still weather we have had of late. We will see the high pressure moving away and outbreaks of rain spreading north with strengthening winds, reaching gale force in the Northern Isles and the north-east mainland.’