Scotland set for hottest day of the year - but colder air will quickly follow

We began April with a warm spell – and we’ll be closing the month on an even warmer note.

This week, a surge of warm air from northwest Africa will send temperatures soaring.

Parts of Spain and Portugal could see highs in the upper 20s, while here in Scotland, we’re likely to reach the mid-20s. In southern England, there’s even a slim chance temperatures could nudge close to 30°C by Thursday.

So far, Scotland’s warmest day of the year was on April 10, when Durris and Aboyne in Aberdeenshire recorded 22.8°C. But that record is likely to fall in the coming days, with 25°C possible – again, especially in Aberdeenshire. Edinburgh and the Borders are also shaping up to be warm spots, potentially hitting the mid-20s.

While April has largely spared us any real cold or snow, early May might tell a different story. After this week’s warm spell, a shift to northerly winds is expected next week, bringing colder air down across the UK.

By midweek, many areas could see daytime highs in the single digits and sub-zero temperatures overnight.

Cold snaps – and even snow – aren’t too unusual in May. I always refer to April and May as our transitional months which can easily swing from sunbathing to snowmen in a matter of days.

So enjoy the sunshine this week (don’t forget the suntan lotion!), but maybe keep those gloves handy.