The grim prediction came after 11 millimetres of rain – the equivalent of almost half an inch – fell across the city for eight sodden hours from midday on Sunday as thousands of runners took part in the 20th Ignis Asset Management Women's 10k race.

Despite the torrential rain and wind which swept across the route in the South Side of the city, it didn't dampen the spirits of runners and spectators.

But weather expert Brendan Jones said Glasgow got off lightly because parts of north west Scotland were drenched with 88mm of rain – an entire month's worth.

However, the bad news is that the city can expect the next 48 hours to be a mix of sunny intervals and showers, with Mr Jones warning: "The rain could turn to hail and some prolonged showers may well involve some thunder. It will also be cold, with the temperature falling tonight and tomorrow night. Some drivers might have to scrape ice off their car windows."

But drier and more settled weather is predicted for Thursday and Friday.

Mr Jones added: "May is traditionally one of the driest months for the west of Scotland but, to be honest, the 11mm experienced yesterday was not really extraordinary."

After yesterday's deluge of rain commuters faced problems on the roads this morning with localised flooding.

In the north of the city drivers had to wade through water on Possil Road, and vehicles had to slow as they negotiated their way under a railway bridge.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk