Scotland on course for ‘HEATWAVE' this week as weather experts predict 30C scorcher
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HOTSPOTS across Scotland could hit 30C tomorrow as the sweltering heatwave in England blasts its way north.
It could get close to the country's warmest day of the year, a record standing since 32.2C was recorded in Aviemore in the Highlands on July 12.
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Temperatures could rise to as high as 30C in Scotland
Credit: Andrew Barr
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Tomorrow could feel particularly warm
Credit: Alamy
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It comes as a heatwave down south travels to Scotland
Credit: Alamy
The mercury has been slowly building this week, despite the fact that weathermen believed the current heatwave would be confined to England and Wales.
Forecasters were not originally expecting the heat to become quite as extensive as it is now expected north of the border.
Traditionally, the weather can change the closer you get to the day.
This is because the weather system has been chaotic as of late.
And minor differences in conditions such as temperature, humidity and pressure can alter outcomes days later.
However, there could be a price to pay if the sky-high temperatures set off one or two thunderstorms tomorrow evening.
Wednesday brings a more complex picture, with high temperatures but also the chance of thunderstorms
Dan Suri
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Dan Suri said: 'Wednesday brings a more complex picture, with high temperatures but also the chance of thunderstorms arriving in the evening.
'During Wednesday daytime, temperatures could peak at 34C, with the heat shifting eastwards into east England.
'Parts of Scotland could also see temperatures above 30C.
"By the evening, there is an increased risk of thunderstorms across northern areas, with the potential for some fairly wet weather.
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'Whilst the exact location for these unsettled conditions remains uncertain, it's possible a warning may be issued closer to the time.'
Tonight, concert-goers will bask in 25C heat as they prepare for the final Oasis concert in Scotland this summer.
The mercury is set to hover around 21C as the band takes to the stage at Murrayfield in Edinburgh tonight.
Sadly, for many school children, classes will resume tomorrow following the summer break.
The Met Office say Thursday will be another warm and dry day, with sunny spells for most.
A few showers may develop in the north, which could be heavy and thundery at times, becoming confined to northern Scotland later on.
What needs to happen for Scotland to officially experience a heatwave?
THERE is certain criteria that the Scottish weather needs to meet before it offically becomes a heatwave.
Experts at the Met Office have revealed that in the UK, a location needs to record three days above a 'temperature threshold' for it to be official.
This threshold is calculated using the average daily maximum temperature on July 15 between 1991 and 2020 - and varies across the country depending on where it is.
For Scotland, the threshold is 25C.
This means that for the country to officially experience a heatwave, the mercury levels must be 25C or higher for at least three consecutive days.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Scotland was 34.8C.
This was measured at Charterhall in the Scottish Borders during a heatwave on July 19 back in 2022.
Heatwaves are usually caused by high-pressure systems and are common in the UK during the summer.
This is because of the position of the jet stream during these months.
Northern Ireland and the west may also see some showers.
Temperatures will likely reach 29-30°C, especially in the far east of England, and stay closer to average in the west.
A north/south split is likely on Friday, with cloudier conditions and some patchy rain or drizzle in parts of the north, but plenty of fine and sunny weather in the south.
Temperatures in that sunshine are likely to peak at 30C.
There is the possibility of a few showers or thunderstorms in the southwest later on Friday and into the weekend.
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