A yellow weather warning is in place for parts of the Highlands and Eilean Siar today, with heavy showers and thunderstorms expected to develop this afternoon and evening.
The Met Office warning is active from 2 pm to midnight on Wednesday 13 August.
Although most places will stay dry, isolated storms may bring intense downpours, gusty winds, lightning and even large hail to affected areas.
Forecasters warn that some locations could see 20 to 30 mm of rain in under an hour, with a chance of more than 50 mm if storms repeat over the same area.
The heaviest downpours are expected to fade as the evening progresses, but storms may linger into the night across Orkney and the far north of the mainland.
Motorists are advised to take extra care, with the possibility of sudden flooding, poor visibility, and road closures in some areas.
There is also a chance of delays or cancellations to bus and train services, as well as localised power cuts.
In extreme cases, fast-flowing floodwater may pose a danger to life.
Residents in at-risk areas are encouraged to check their flood risk, prepare emergency kits, and secure outdoor items that could become hazardous in strong winds.
If you hear thunder while outdoors, seek shelter in a building or vehicle and avoid trees or tall structures.
Stay alert, plan ahead, and keep up to date with the latest weather information from trusted sources.
