Sean Batty: Temperatures could soar to 30C in Scotland as weather heats up

So far this summer has been marked by bursts of very warm weather – especially by UK standards.

England has already seen temperatures soar above 30C on several occasions, and now it looks like Scotland might not be far behind.

Our hottest spot of the summer so far is Grangemouth, where the temperature peaked at 29.1C on June 20. Hot on its heels was Drumnadrochit, reaching 28.9C on the same day.

What’s driving these surges?

A big part of the story is the unusually warm conditions across Iberia and the Mediterranean, including a marine heatwave that’s sent sea temperatures well above normal.

So whenever we catch a southerly breeze, it tends to bring that extra heat along with it. Thankfully, these warm spells usually only stick around for a few days before cooler, fresher air returns.

This week, temperatures will steadily climb into the low 20s over the next few days, but things are set to heat up more significantly by the weekend.

The Lothians, Dundee, Angus, Aberdeenshire, and Moray are looking like the top contenders for the warmest spots, with highs in the upper 20s by Saturday. In fact, we might even hit our first 30C of the year – possibly in Moray or the Borders.

But – there’s always a but – before you dust off the patio furniture or plan a garden get-together, bear in mind that not everyone will get the sunshine. The north and northwest are more likely to stay under cloud and catch some rain, which will also keep temperatures a bit lower.

A word of caution, too: UV levels are at their peak right now, and where the sun does break through, it can burn in under 30 minutes. So be sure to slap on that sun cream.

Pollen levels are also expected to spike later in the week – something hay fever sufferers will want to prepare for.

And with the school holidays now under way, parents – you’ve been warned: paddling pool season is officially open.