Severe thunderstorms over eastern Scotland, 14 August 2025 – a case of very large hail in a synoptically weak vertical wind shear environment

Abstract Severe thunderstorms occurred over eastern Scotland on 14 August 2025, leading to impacts from flash flooding, lightning strikes and notable damage from hail up to 5cm in diameter. Hail of this size is rare in Scotland, especially north of the Central Belt. Given the marginally favourable pre‐convective environment, it is hypothesised that a cell merger event, combined with locally enhanced ascent around complex terrain, contributed towards the very large hail observed. This article examines the environment and evolution on the day, summarises the reported impacts, and provides some historical context.