Scotland on track for first heatwave of summer with peaks of 30C

Scotland is on track to officially meet heatwave criteria in the coming days for the first time this summer.

With temperatures forecast to hit 25C or higher for at least three consecutive days, many parts of the country will experience their warmest conditions of the year so far.

Temperatures will reach the mid-20s on Friday across eastern areas such as Aberdeenshire, Fife, and Edinburgh.

A more significant jump is expected on Saturday, with temperatures climbing as high as 29C in Glasgow, Stirlingshire, Angus, and parts of the Highlands.

Sunday is likely to be the hottest day of this spell, with a strong chance of hitting 30C — which would be the first time this year.

Stay safe in the sun

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of cool fluids and water – don’t wait to get thirsty
Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30
Stay out of the sun between 11am to 3pm – when the sun’s rays are strongest
Cover up by wearing loose clothing and hats
Protect babies and children by keeping them cool and out of direct sunlight

Aviemore, North Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, and the north Highlands are the most likely candidates to reach this mark.

A slight dip in temperatures may occur along the east coast on Sunday due to a developing North Sea breeze, bringing a risk of haar to the northeast.

Nights will remain uncomfortably warm, particularly in the west, where overnight lows could stay in the high teens through much of the night, making for difficult sleeping conditions.

This weekend will also bring very high pollen counts and the highest UV levels of the year, just weeks after the summer solstice.

With school holidays under way and events like TRNSMT in full swing, it’s essential to take precautions if you’re spending time outdoors. Use high-factor sunscreen, stay hydrated, and be mindful of the risk of heatstroke.

Looking ahead to next week, temperatures will ease slightly as rain tries to push in from the west. However, highs in the low to mid-20s are still possible in some areas.