Sean Batty: Warm air from Africa to bring Scotland's hottest weather of the year later this week

The warmest spell of 2025 so far is on the way this week, with temperatures potentially climbing to their highest levels since summer 2023.

Much like last week, a plume of warm air from North Africa will drift northwards later in the week. By Friday -likely the warmest day – temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid-20s across the country.

Based on the latest forecast models, I would say highs of around 28C aren’t out of the question in areas such as the Moray coast, Perth, Glasgow, Stirling, Edinburgh, and East Lothian.

To put that in context, the highest temperature recorded in 2024 was 28C at Oyne in Aberdeenshire on June 24. And of course, the record-breaking summer of 2023 saw a scorching 34.8C at Charterhall in the Borders – the highest temperature ever recorded in Scotland.

Hitting 30C in Scotland is rare. In fact, it’s only happened in nine of the last 20 years, and just 23 times in the past 85 years. However, some models are hinting that we could get close to that mark by the end of June, with further pulses of hot air possible.

By contrast, 2010 was a particularly underwhelming year weather-wise, with a maximum temperature of just 27C – recorded not even in summer, but on May 22 at Floors Castle in the Borders.

As you might expect, the warm days will be matched by some uncomfortably mild nights. Much like last week, temperatures on Thursday night could remain in the high teens, particularly across the west Highlands, Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire, and the Moray coast.

There’s even a chance we could see new overnight temperature records fall by the weekend.

Just a quick reminder for those with respiratory issues to ensure you carry your preventers with you, especially with the hot weather and elevated pollen levels at this time of year.

Additionally, remember that Saturday marks the summer solstice, meaning UV levels will be at their highest level of the year.