Scotland is bracing for a hot spell this week, with weather maps predicting temperatures could hit 28C in parts of the country. The Met Office, however, is urging Scots to take extra precautions as UV levels are set to be high.
Hottest Day of the Year So Far
This follows Scotland's hottest day of the year recorded on June 25, when temperatures soared to 31.2C in Threave, Dumfries and Galloway. That was just shy of the June record of 32.2C. Now, Dumfries is expected to approach that record again, with the Met Office forecasting highs of 28C on Friday, July 10.
Other areas are not far behind: by late afternoon on Friday, Moffat, Glasgow, and Dalbeattie will enjoy 27C, while Stirling, Cumnock, and Jedburgh are predicted to hit 26C.
UV Warning Issued
Despite the appeal of warm weather for staycationers, the Met Office has issued a warning for Friday, noting that UV levels will reach level seven on the scale, classified as amber. The warning states: "Seek shade during midday hours, cover up and wear sunscreen." This high UV warning applies to most of Scotland, including areas further north and northeast where temperatures may only reach the high teens.
Forecast Details
Temperatures are expected to climb steadily in the lead-up to Friday. Meteorologist Alex Deakin said: "A warmer day on Wednesday. A bit more sunshine around but still starting off fairly cloudy over the southwest and up the west coast, with clouds thick enough for a little bit of drizzly rain." He added that most places would be "dry and bright" in the afternoon, with temperatures rising to the mid-twenties in the south and northeast.
On Thursday, July 9, it will be breezy in the northwest with clouds over parts of the Highlands, but most of Scotland will enjoy another warm day with slightly higher temperatures.
Not Record-Breaking
The Met Office has stated that the current heatwave, while significant, is not expected to be record-breaking. Forecaster Steven Keates warned that some urban areas could see temperatures remaining in the high teens overnight, potentially disrupting sleep. He added: "Much of England and Wales will be hot, and the heat will extend to parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland too, though here peak temperatures are more likely to be in the upper 20s Celsius. With high UV and high temperatures, people should take the usual precautions with the heat and the sun."
