Old Firm flashpoint

Crackling atmosphere predicted with thunderstorms and lightning

SPARKS could fly during today’s Old Firm clash – as lightning strikes are forecast for Glasgow when Celtic take on Rangers at lunchtime.

The highly charged atmosphere usually requires no additional combustion but weather experts warn thunderstorms will start crackling just as the teams take to the pitch at Celtic Park. A yellow warning of severe weather kicked in at midnight last night, predicting a possible “danger to life” further south in Dumfries and Galloway, the Ayrshire coast and parts of Argyll.

Glasgow lies just outwith the warning area but, even there, weather experts say things could turn electric.

The rumbling day-long deluge will spread from Northern Ireland before settling in the warning area for fully 24 hours, ending at midnight tonight.

Accompanied by thunderstorms, the downpour could see up to 40mm of rainfall in a three-hour period.

Some unlucky spots could be hit by 80-100mm, sparking a flood danger, damage to buildings and possible power cuts.

Travel could be affected, with thousands of fans travelling from Northern Ireland and Ireland through the affected area for the Glasgow derby.

The Met Office warning said: “There is a small chance homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.

“There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life.

“Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services.

“There is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads.”

Clare Nasir, a Met Office meteorologist, said: “With the change of the month and a change of a season, we are seeing a change in our weather.

“Certainly, there is some heavy rain around through the weekend and also some stronger winds.

“No one will be immune to that wet weather and it’s in the west where we will see the highest rainfall totals through the weekend.”