A second heatwave has descended over Scotland with temperatures expected to reach 30C. The weather has led to a six-day wildfire warning with parts of the country under a 'very high' alert.
The warning for eastern and southern regions is in effect from Wednesday, August 10 to Monday, August 15. Surface fires could burn and spread with 'high intensity' in these areas, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has warned.
The hot spell is set to peak on Thursday in Scotland at 29C or 30C, says Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern. Highs could reach a toasty 30C in Edinburgh with the hottest weather predicted in southeastern areas and the east coast.
The warm weather is expected to exceed 25C - the Met Office's heatwave threshold in Scotland - though it won't come close to the blistering 36C temperatures and amber heat warning in effect across parts of England and Wales.
The forecast is all blue skies, light winds, and high UV levels aside from some outbreaks of rain in the western isles and parts of the far northwest mainland, says Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern. The above average temps include 29C in Aberdeen on Thursday and 28C in Glasgow on Friday.
Regarding the weather on Thursday, Aidan said: "Hotter day to come compared with Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures in Scotland probably peaking on Thursday afternoon 29C or 30C and, across much of England and Wales, low 30s or 33C the most likely high temperature on Thursday."
The high 20s will continue through Saturday across Scotland except in the far northwest. The heatwave will end on Sunday when cooler air will shift the weather back to more average temperatures in the high teens, says Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon.
Sun-loving Scots will be basking in the warmth, but the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has urged the public to take extra care in the countryside.
"Our crews will be ready to respond to every emergency to protect our communities," said SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Bruce Farquharson. "But there are simple steps that we can all take when we are spending time outdoors to prevent vast damage to the environment and protect emergency service workers from attending avoidable incidents."
He advised: "Please exercise the utmost caution and avoid lighting fires outdoors but if you must, check for restrictions or permissions required by the landowner and make sure you use a fire safe pit or container that can be properly extinguished before you leave."
Met Office's five-day UK forecast
Today:
Much of England and Wales, plus eastern parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland, sunny and hot or very hot. The far north and northwest of Scotland, cloudier with occasional rain.
Tonight:
A dry, clear and warm night for most. Staying cloudier over the far north of Scotland with occasional, mostly light, rain.
Friday:
Another sunny and hot or very hot day for most away from northern Scotland. Here staying cloudier and cooler with a little light rain and drizzle.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Mostly dry, sunny and hot this weekend. Cooler with some haar in the northeast. Monday likely less hot with some showers or thunderstorms.
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