Scotland is bracing itself for a heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 31.2C in Threave, Dumfries and Galloway, the highest recorded so far this year. The Met Office has officially declared the period as a heatwave, with temperatures above 25C for three consecutive days. In the Borders, gritters have been deployed to spread sand over main roads to try and reflect heat and cool the surface. Scottish Borders Council has even closed the B6362 Lauder to Stow road due to heat damage, with temperatures reaching a scorching 52C.
David Robertson, chief executive at Scottish Borders Council, explained that the council is not being 'daft' in deploying gritters, but rather trying to protect the road surface from melting. The council has provided a fine layer of sand to prevent the melting of the tar, which has been caused by road temperatures reaching the 40s.
Meanwhile, Dumfries and Galloway Council has asked residents to 'spare a thought' for frontline staff wearing personal protective equipment in the heat. Police Scotland has issued reminders about water safety and the risk of drowning, while the River Tweed Commission has called for a stop to fishing salmon and trout when water temperatures reach 20C due to the risk of killing the fish through stress.
The heat is expected to peak as southeasterly winds pull in intensely hot, humid air from the continent, according to BBC Scotland weather presenter Gillian Smart. However, she warned of a 'thundery breakdown' on Thursday afternoon, with heavy, thundery showers expected across the Western Isles, Northwest Highlands, and Northern Isles.