Scotland’s weather: Heatwave on the way

SUMMER is finally expected to arrive in Scotland this weekend, as weather forecasters predict temperatures will rise across the country, marking the start of a prolonged settled period.

A Brighton meadow yesterday suggests blooming hot weather is heading north. Picture: PA

Over today and tomorrow, the Central Belt and East Coast will see fine conditions with temperatures in the low 20Cs. Lingering cloud and showers in the North-west will mean it will struggle to see 15C, below the Scottish average for July of 16.9C.

However, the Met Office is predicting that, as the week progresses, all of Scotland can expect to enjoy a prolonged period of excellent weather, with temperatures getting up to the low mid-20s in the warmest places, stretching into the second half of the month.

Met forecaster Lindsay Mears said: “We are getting into a settled period of weather into next week. So apart from a few showers on the west side, it’s going to be pretty good – nice and sunny but not too hot. We are predicting a prolonged period of dry weather.”

The fine weather comes as schools break up for summer, and has prompted expectations among tourism chiefs of a bumper £125 million weekend as families head for the beaches.