Costa del Scotland! Life's a beach for lucky Scots basking in hotter temperatures than Spain
Scots flocked to beaches and parks to enjoy the sunshine yesterday as temperatures soared to their hottest of the year so far.
Blue skies across much of the country saw many places bask in temperatures above 20C, with Aviemore, Inverness-shire, recording a sweltering 23.5C - breaking this year's previous high of 22.8C at Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, on April 10.
In comparison thermometers in Marbella on the Costa Del Sol only reached 18C as the Spanish city was hit by rain showers.
But with a band of cloud pushing its way southwards, from today [Thurs] forecasters are warning that temperatures will start to dip slightly.
There is also a chance of scattered rain across the country.
While the mini-heatwave appears to be coming to an end, however, the Met Office said the dry conditions will continue and temperatures will remain around average for the start of May.
Meteorologist Marco Petagna said: 'Going into the weekend we are looking at temperatures of between 10C and 15C, so closer to where we should be for the time of year.
'We will see a lot of dry weather in the days ahead, with just a few showers - and a lot of dry weather on the outlook as well.'
He added that the best of the temperatures will be reserved for those living in the south of Scotland, which today could still see highs of 19C.
But over the next few days the South East is likely to be hit with the heaviest showers, while elsewhere the rain will be lighter.
The forecaster also warned that there was also a chance of frost returning to some rural areas with overnight temperatures dropping to just below freezing.
An 'extreme' wildfire risk, however, remains in place across the North East, and central and southern areas until Saturday following the prolonged dry spell.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is urging those heading outdoors to 'act responsibly' and 'avoid using anything with a naked flame'.
Area Commander Michael Humphreys said: 'There are currently vast areas that are tinder dry and vulnerable, which provides all the ingredients for fire to take hold and spread.
'Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is imperative we all act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors.'
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