May has been a shocker so far but warmer weather is on the horizon

What a shocker this May has been so far – but finally our fortunes may be about to change, with warmer weather on the horizon. The big question is: just how warm could it get?

Scotland has endured plenty of showers over the past week, with temperatures dropping under a cool northerly airflow. In some places, afternoon highs have struggled to get much above 8C – well below what you’d normally expect for mid-May.

A lot of hope is usually pinned on May because, more often than not, it’s one of the most reliable months for decent weather. This year, though, has been a real exception, and we desperately need something to rescue May 2026 from ending up in the bin of disappointing weather months.

To put the poor start into context, if conditions had continued in the same vein through the rest of the month, this could have ended up being the coolest May in northern Scotland since 1979. Thankfully, with a significant uplift in temperatures now on the way, that’s no longer looking likely.

Now, it says a lot about recent conditions that I’m getting excited about the possibility of temperatures finally climbing above 20C in late May – but that’s where we are.

Next week should bring a notable rise in temperatures, potentially delivering the warmest weather we’ve seen so far this year.

Some forecast models are now suggesting temperatures could reach the mid-20s by next weekend across the north Highlands, Moray and parts of central Scotland – a huge jump of around 15 degrees compared to where we are right now.

Even better, this warmer spell looks set to arrive alongside an area of high pressure, meaning many places should also enjoy plenty of dry weather and sunshine.

So, if you’re fed up with the cool conditions at the moment, hang in there – much better weather could finally be on the way!