SCOTLAND is about to get hotter than Morocco as the mercury soars, while England and Wales brace for thunderstorms.
The BBC weather service is predicting a scorching 25C for the west Highlands on Tuesday as we begin a week of blinding sunshine.
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The same weather service is predicting nothing higher than 24C in Marrakesh, the city at the foot of the Atlas Mountains in North Africa.
Following a few showers tomorrow high pressure anchored to the north of Scotland is set to deliver temperatures creeping into the ‘heatwave’ category.
The mercury has to rise above 25C for three days in a row before it can officially be declared a heatwave.
Fort William in the west Highlands is expected to meet the threshold on Tuesday and could do the same again midweek with 24C and a high of 25C again in the forecast.
Meanwhile, tomorrow, central England and Wales fall under a warning for flooding from heavy thunderstorms.
BBC forecasters said: “Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will see plenty of sunshine and rather warm conditions throughout.
“There will be little to no cloud around under the influence of high pressure to the north of the UK, but occasional high level cloud may turn the sunshine quite hazy at times.
“Winds will be generally coming from the east but may include a northerly component in places by Thursday.
A multi-agency search is underway near Aberfoyle in Stirlingshire today after someone was reported missing in water at Loch Ard on Saturday night.
The B829 at Aberfoyle was closed and the public were asked to avoid the area until further notice.
Over the weekend, thousands left the cities to enjoy the sunshine in Scotland’s beauty spots.
Forestry and Land Scotland were issuing warnings for anyone wishing to enter the water on its land, including at Ardentinny, on Loch Long, Cowal’s longest sandy beach.
Entering cold water suddenly can cause blood vessels to close, which causes your heart to work harder and make your blood pressure increase.
It can also cause an involuntary gasp of breath and a rise in your breathing rate, which can cause panic and an increased chance of inhaling water.
Forestry and Land Scotland advice states: “Scotland has some of the most incredible waters in the world.
“But open water carries risks too. No matter what activity you enjoy, or your experience, make sure you know what you’re doing before dipping your toe in.
“If you go in the water, it’s essential that you are fully prepared.”
Visitors to the Cairngorms National Park, near Aviemore, were warned not to light barbecues after an ‘extreme’ warning for wildfires was extended across mainland Scotland.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
So far this month, Scotland has had just 2.9mm of rain, which is only three per cent of the total average for the whole of May.
The driest May on record for Scotland was more than 150 years ago, in 1859, with 9.6mm of rain.
