Scotland could see a real rainy start to the year following the record-breaking mild conditions over the New Year.
It comes as bookmakers slash their odds on this month to be the wettest January ever recorded.
Forecasters expect heavy showers and long periods of rainfall as we begin 2022, with possibilities of thunder and even some flurries of snow.
The wet conditions are expected to begin as early as this evening, Sunday, as long spells of rain - heaviest across Argyll - are expected.
Currently, there are six flood alerts and five flood warnings in place across Scotland.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) warnings apply to:
- Stonehaven
- Longhope and Hoy
- Sanday
- Stornaway
- Spey Viaduct to Spey Bay
With flood alerts issued for:
- Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City
- Orkney
- Western Isles
- Caithness and Sutherland
- Shetland
- Wester Ross
Week two of January is likely to see an unsettled start with periods of heavy rain and clouds starting in the west before heading towards easterly areas, according to the Met Office.
Blustery showers are likely across the country from January 6, with costal gales along the north and west.
As we reach the middle of January, a rather changeable regime is expected with spells of wet and windy weathe, interspersed by drier, brighter periods - reports the Met Office.
Temperatures are likely to be near average for this time of year.
It comes as Coral bookmakers slash odds on this January being the wettest on record.
The bookies have reduced odds from 2-1 to just 4-5.
"The forecast suggests the start of 2022 is going to be a washout. We now make it odds-on for this month to end as the wettest January ever in the UK," said Coral's John Hill.
