Strong gusts and heavy rain are expected from Thursday through Saturday across much of Scotland, prompting numerous weather warnings. Five games are set for Saturday in the return of the Cinch Premiership: Aberdeen vs. Dundee, Kilmarnock vs. Livingston, Rangers vs. Hibs, Ross County vs. St. Mirren, and St. Johnstone vs. Motherwell. While there are complete Championship, League One, and League Two matches scheduled for Saturday afternoon, Hearts vs. Celtic will take place on Sunday afternoon.
The worst of the weather is due to hit Aberdeenshire, Angus, Perth and Dundee on Thursday and Friday, with a red weather warning issued for the north-east of Scotland. The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for “exceptional” rainfall in that part of the country and potential risk to life. While conditions are expected to have improved by kick-offs, the club and relevant authorities will monitor the situation closely. Safety of fan travel will be taken into consideration, with Scotrail cancelling all eastern train services in the Inverness area down to the Fife circle until Saturday morning. Yellow warnings are in place across much of Scotland until Saturday lunchtime.
Whas already had an impact on the Premiership season; Ross County’s visit to Dundee two weeks ago was postponed due to a flooded field. The SPFL schedule includes games in the areas most at risk of flooding, including Aberdeen vs. Dundee (6 p.m. evening kick-off), St. Johnstone vs. Motherwell, Arbroath vs. Raith Rovers, Cove Rangers vs. Montrose, and Elgin City vs. Forfar Athletic. There are concerns that the heavy rainfall forecast for Scotland could render some surfaces unplayable.
