Scotland is set to enjoy another hot spell as weather maps predict parts of the country will hit a sizzling 28C this week. However, as temperatures rise, the Met Office is urging Scots to take extra measures to stay safe in the heat.
Hottest Spot: Dumfries Expected to Reach 28C
While temperatures are high across the country, one area is set to see the hottest. It comes after Scotland recorded its hottest day of the year so far on June 25, when temperatures soared to 31.2C in Threave, Dumfries and Galloway, just off the record high for June of 32.2C. Dumfries is expected to inch towards this record again as the Met Office predicts highs of 28C on Friday, July 10. While this is forecast to be the highest temperature in Scotland this week, weather maps show other areas are not far behind.
Other Hotspots: Glasgow, Stirling, and More
By late afternoon on Friday, Moffat, Glasgow, and Dalbeattie will enjoy highs of 27C. Residents of Stirling, Cumnock, and Jedburgh will also need sunscreen as temperatures are predicted to hit a sweltering 26C.
Met Office UV Warning: Level 7
While those planning a staycation will enjoy the heat, the Met Office has issued a warning for Friday. The national forecaster warns that UV levels will be high, predicted to sit at level seven on the scale. This puts UV rays at amber, with the Met Office warning that Scots need to take extra measures to stay safe. Its UV seven warning reads: “Seek shade during midday hours, cover up and wear sunscreen.”
This high UV level warning applies to the majority of Scotland, even to areas further north and in the north east which are only expected to see temperatures rise into the high teens on Friday.
Temperature Climb and Rain Outbreaks
Temperatures are expected to steadily climb over the coming days leading up to Friday. However, the Met Office warns there could be some outbreaks of rain. Reading Scotland’s forecast from Wednesday (July 8) onwards, meteorologist Alex Deakin says: “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. Elsewhere the winds are quite light and we should see some lengthy spells of sunshine from Fife down through to the borders throughout the day. We will see sunny spells developing more widely as we go into the afternoon.”
Deakin adds that there could still be the odd shower in the far northwest, but most places are expected to be “dry and bright” during the afternoon. Temperatures are forecast to rise to the mid-twenties, particularly in the south and north east of Scotland.
Thursday Forecast and Nighttime Heat
On Thursday, July 9, it will be breezy at times in the northwest with clouds covering parts of the Highlands. But the majority of Scots will enjoy another warm summer’s day as temperatures rise slightly. The Met Office has said that the current heatwave overtaking the rest of the UK won’t be as warm as previous hot spells and is not expected to be “record-breaking”. Forecaster Steven Keates warns that some urban areas could see temperatures remaining in the high teens throughout the night, which could lead to troubled 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.”
