Scotland basks in hottest day yet, but showers on the horizon
As the temperature soared to 22.7C at Aboyne in Aberdeenshire, Scotland is enjoying its warmest day of the year so far. This new high surpasses the previous 20.9C record set in Tyndrum on 8 April. Despite the sunny conditions, wildfire warnings have been issued at the highest level, urging people to be cautious while enjoying the sun as damp weather is expected to make a return over the weekend.
Recent analysis indicates that spring is the fastest-warming season in the United Kingdom, largely due to climate change. The average spring temperature in the UK has risen by 1.8C since 1970, with the prolonged dry spell attributed to the jet stream’s far northern flow over Scotland. This has resulted in an “Omega blocking pattern,” where a high-pressure system lingers over the UK, blocking out clouds and rain.
The clear skies, which have persisted since late March, have led to sunny and dry conditions across many areas, with temperatures reaching the high teens or low 20s. However, frosty nights have also been experienced, with Aboyne going from a chilling minus 3.2C overnight to becoming the warmest spot later in the day. Families like Laura Booth and Ailsa McHardy took advantage of the warm weather by having a picnic at a park in Aboyne with their babies George and Skye, noting how enjoyable it was to be outdoors in such pleasant conditions.
The prolonged dry spell has heightened wildfire risks, with a significant grass fire reported in Glen Rosa on the Isle of Arran. Firefighters have been battling multiple fires, including ones in the Galloway Forest Park and Inverpolly Forest in the Highlands. As the high-pressure system responsible for the warm conditions gradually moves southwards, showers are expected to reach the far north of Scotland by Friday, with wetter weather forecasted for most places by Saturday night. This shift in weather patterns will also bring about a significant drop in temperatures on Sunday, marking the end of the warm spell and introducing a more unsettled period in the week ahead
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