High pressure is set to dominate the weather across Scotland this week, bringing a taste of early summer to the Highlands.
Temperatures across the Highlands will climb steadily, with sheltered areas seeing highs reaching into the high teens and perhaps even nudging 20°C.
Overnight, it will remain mild for the time of year, with only light showers possible over the Northern Isles.
Tuesday brings more settled and sunny conditions, with temperatures again pushing towards 20°C in the sheltered glens and coastal spots of the Highlands.
The warmth builds further into Wednesday, where much of the Highlands will bask in fine weather, and southern areas could see the mercury tip over 21°C.
Thursday is expected to be the warmest day of the week, with the southeast of Scotland forecast to see temperatures close to 29°C, while the Highlands continue to enjoy warm sunshine.
Historically, April heat records are rare, with the UK’s highest ever April temperature standing at 29.4°C, recorded in London in 1949.
If temperatures hit 30°C this week, it would mark the earliest point in the year on record for such heat in the UK.
Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said that Thursday is likely to bring temperatures well above the seasonal average, with the potential for new records to be set both by day and night.
Despite the warmth, the far north of Scotland will likely stay cooler, with more typical seasonal conditions arriving from the north later in the week.
A heatwave requires three consecutive days of temperatures above a specific threshold, which varies across Scotland, with the Highlands generally requiring 25°C or more.
Alongside the heat, UV and pollen levels are set to be high, so residents are urged to take precautions when spending time outdoors.
The NHS and Met Office offer guidance to help people stay safe in the heat, and the Met Office app provides useful pollen alerts.
For those tempted to take a dip in the sea, the RNLI reminds everyone that while the air is warm, the sea remains dangerously cold.
Head of Water Safety Gareth Morrison advised visiting lifeguarded beaches and reminded swimmers to “Float to Live” if they get into difficulty.
Pet owners are also being urged to take extra care, with Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux of the British Veterinary Association warning that pets are highly vulnerable in the heat.
Simple steps like providing fresh water, shade, and avoiding hot pavements can prevent serious health issues for animals during warm spells.
By Friday, the warm weather looks set to break down, with showers and thunderstorms possible, particularly across southern Scotland.
The Highlands are likely to see a gradual cooling, with more unsettled conditions pushing northwards over the weekend.
The Met Office continues to monitor the situation closely and will update forecasts as the week progresses.
For now, the Highlands can look forward to a few glorious days of sunshine and warmth before the more familiar cooler weather makes a return.
