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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 20 June 2026 by the Edinburgh Wire weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
Edinburgh faces its most immediate extreme weather threat from Atlantic low-pressure systems, which bring the violent gales and flash flooding seen in recent years. The live forecast above shows the current conditions, which can shift rapidly as these systems track across the Central Belt from the Forth coast.
What counts as extreme weather in Edinburgh?
In the capital, extreme weather events typically involve Storm Ciara-style wind gusts exceeding 70mph, which can fell trees on Princes Street Gardens and disrupt rail services through Haymarket. Prolonged heavy rain, often from “Atlantic conveyer belts,” causes the Water of Leith to burst its banks, flooding low-lying areas such as Stockbridge and Roseburn. While not as frequent, the 2018 “Beast from the East” is a key example of extreme weather geography here, where easterly winds trap snow against the Pentland Hills, cutting off rural communities like Balerno.
How do I prepare for extreme weather today?
Check the live forecast above and the UK weather hub for Met Office warnings. During extreme weather events recently—such as Storm Babet in 2023—Edinburgh Council opened rest centres in Leith and Craigmillar. For driving, avoid the A720 city bypass in high winds; instead, use the slower A1 or M8. The 10 Day Weather Forecast UK page can help you plan ahead for any incoming extremes.
What is extreme weather in geography terms?
In geography, extreme weather is when conditions—like temperature, rainfall or wind—deviate significantly from the historical average for a location. For Edinburgh, this means events with a return period of 10 years or more, such as the 2021 flash floods in Bruntsfield.
Where can I find an extreme weather map for the UK?
The Met Office provides live extreme weather maps showing rainfall radar, wind speeds and lightning strikes. You can view these on their website, or check regional updates on our Glasgow Weather and Liverpool Weather pages for wider context.
How common are extreme weather events in the last 10 years?
Extreme weather events in the last 10 years have become more frequent for Edinburgh. The city has experienced five named storms since 2015, alongside two “heatwave” declarations (2018, 2022) and three major flooding episodes. Climate projections suggest these will become annual risks.