Forecasters predict Scotland will experience its 'sunniest week of the year so far' with temperatures reaching 29C in some western areas. However, meteorologist Sean Batty warns that not all regions will enjoy the summer conditions, as a North Sea breeze will keep the north and east cooler and cloudier.
West Scotland to bask in sunshine
According to Batty, western Scotland is set to enjoy the very best of the weather, with long spells of sunshine and temperatures climbing into the high 20s later in the week. The sunniest areas include Argyll and Bute, Inverclyde, Glasgow, and the Inner Hebrides. Other regions expected to be sunny are Dumfries & Galloway, Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, West and East Dunbartonshire, and the south and west Highlands.
North and east to remain cloudy
Batty explained: 'Parts of the north and east are likely to see low cloud and haar drifting in from the North Sea on the easterly breeze. That could keep temperatures noticeably lower and the sunshine more limited at times.' The areas most likely to stay cloudy include Caithness, Moray, Aberdeenshire, the Angus coast, East Fife, the East Lothian coast, and Edinburgh at times.
Temperature highs on Thursday
Thursday, July 16, is predicted to be the hottest day this week. In the west, Fort William could see 27C, while Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire, and Glasgow could reach 28C to 29C. Although temperatures are unlikely to break 30C, the dry air will make it ideal for drying laundry quickly, unlike previous humid warm spells.
Nighttime temperature drop
Despite daytime heat, nighttime temperatures will plummet to under 10C. Batty said: 'Because humidity is low, heat escapes much more quickly after sunset, so temperatures will drop away quite rapidly during the evening. If you’re planning a barbecue or sitting out in the garden, you may well find yourself running for a jumper once the sun goes down.' Some spots in the Borders, South Lanarkshire, and the Highlands could drop close to 5C on some nights.
