AREAS across Scotland have been hit with heavy flooding as downpours and thunderstorms were seen across the country.

After a summer heatwave, the rains have come and brought flooding forcing roads to close and causing travel nightmares.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning saying: "There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

The National:

“Where flooding or lightning strikes occur there is a chance of delays, and some cancellations to train and bus services.”

Forecasters previously warned that up to 100mm of rain (4in) could fall in some places, with the potential for between 20 and 30mm (up to 1in) in the space of an hour.

The Met Office yellow warning for thunderstorms extends across most of Scotland and is in place until midnight on Saturday.

Flooding forced a section of the M8 in Glasgow to close for a number of hours earlier today. It was re-opened but has since been closed again.

Flash floods were also seen in Greenock with traffic tailed back in both directions.

A video from the Greenock Telegraph shows an ambulance making its way across the flooded road leading to other cars making the crossing.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued flood warnings for areas across the country including Edinburgh, the West of Scotland, Aberdeen and the Borders with the full list available via the Sepa website.

On Saturday, areas including Glasgow should expect temperatures in the early 20s, while parts of the south of England such as Bristol and London may reach 23C – roughly average for this time of year.

The lowest temperatures are expected to be around 14C in the Shetland Isles and Northern Ireland.

Going into next week, forecasters predict the weather will remain unsettled in the long-term, with the chance of several one-off calmer days.