Spring Surge: Parts of Scotland to enjoy warmest day yet

Friday brings some of the warmest weather of the year so far – and for parts of the west, it could be their warmest day yet.

For many, it’ll finally feel like spring has properly arrived… but don’t get too comfortable just yet – I’ll explain why in a moment.

So far in 2026, the highest temperature has been 23C, recorded at Kinloss in Moray earlier this month, with most of the warmest spots up in the north Highlands.

Where will be warmest?

This time, though, the focus shifts. It’s central and western Scotland set to top the charts – perhaps not quite reaching those earlier highs, but still pushing close to 20C in places on Friday.

Areas like Fort William, Fort Augustus, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Kenmore, Glasgow, Cumbernauld and Airdrie are all in line to be among the warmest – and for many of them, this could be their warmest day of the year so far.

Friday looks like the peak, but it stays pleasantly warm into Saturday too, especially across Argyll & Bute, Glasgow and inland Ayrshire, with highs around 17C to 18C.

Not the same everywhere

But it’s not the same story everywhere – sorry.

Along the east coast, that familiar North Sea influence kicks in. Places across Aberdeenshire, Angus, Fife and East Lothian will feel much cooler, with temperatures closer to 8 to 10C and a noticeable chill in the breeze.

Into the weekend, the west should hold onto the best of the sunshine, while cloud drifts across the Northern Isles and eastern areas at times. There’s even the chance of a little light, patchy rain—mainly for Orkney and Shetland on Sunday.

Will it last?

In the short term, yes… especially in the west. But the east looks set to stay cooler into next week with that onshore breeze continuing.

And looking a bit further ahead, while May is often one of our best months for weather, there are increasing signs of lower pressure trying to return early in the month. That could mean a shift back to something more unsettled – windier, wetter conditions creeping in.

For now though, enjoy it – that’s if you have it in the first place of course.