Scotland is bracing itself for the most intense day of its current heatwave on Thursday, with temperatures forecast to soar to a sizzling 30C in certain areas. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for extreme heat, highlighting potential health risks and disruption across central and southern parts of the country.
The warning, which came into effect earlier this week, is set to remain in place until the end of Thursday. Regions most likely to experience the highest temperatures include the Central Belt, Lothian, Borders, and parts of Strathclyde – areas that are no strangers to warm summer days, but not consistently experiencing temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s Celsius.
As the mercury rises, health officials are urging the public, especially the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, to take extra precautions. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day (typically between 11 am and 3 pm), and wearing loose, light-coloured clothing are all recommended measures.
Across the wider UK, while Scotland experiences its peak, other regions are also feeling the heat. England's South East has seen temperatures consistently in the high 20s and low 30s, with similar warnings in place. Wales has experienced a warm spell, though generally slightly cooler than parts of England and Scotland. Northern Ireland has observed elevated temperatures, albeit not reaching the extremes seen elsewhere.
Looking ahead, the Met Office forecasts a gradual change in weather patterns towards the end of the week and into the weekend, with temperatures expected to drop and heatwave conditions easing as more unsettled weather brings showers and cooler air from the Atlantic. For now, the focus remains on managing the peak heat on Thursday.