MUCH of Scotland is set to see scorching temperatures this week as a heatwave hits the UK.
The Met Office said the baking heat could last until at least Thursday, sparking weather warnings, health alerts and concerns for vulnerable people across much of England and Wales.
Forecasters have said there is “growing confidence” this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, which was set in 1976 in Southampton.
The coming days will see humid conditions and potentially tropical nights, making it feel “muggier” than last month’s heatwave, the Met Office said.
A number of extreme heat warnings have been issued, although they do not apply to Scotland.
On Sunday, an amber extreme heat warning issued by the weather service was expanded to last from Monday until Thursday.
Monday and Tuesday’s warning covers most of southern England, central and eastern Wales, and much of the Midlands, while Wednesday and Thursday’s alert also includes parts of Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Cheshire.
Temperatures in Scotland are set to be cooler than the rest of the UK, although still much warmer than the past few weeks, where spells of rain have been frequent.
In Glasgow, temperatures look set to reach a high of 27C on Thursday, as humid conditions build throughout the week.
The city will see some slight drizzle on Friday, with temperatures still averaging at around 23C, according to the Met Office forecast.
Elsewhere, Edinburgh could see highs of 25C on Wednesday, and Aberdeen looks set to be as warm as 23C.
Meanwhile, Europe is also sweltering under the heatwave, with temperatures forecast to hit 37C in Rome and 39C in Madrid on Monday.
In France, highs of 40C are expected on Sunday, with Monday likely to be even hotter as emergency services and military forces have been put on wildfire alert.
Public alcohol consumption restrictions have been put in place by French authorities and some outdoor sporting events cancelled.
Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said that climate change has meant that very hot spells are becoming more frequent.
He said: “This is the second heatwave of this year already so it just shows that the warming climate means that these more extreme spells are becoming more frequent, and that’s unfortunately just the way things are going at the moment and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down.”
