Summer forecast to make a return after slump following sunniest May
Forecasters have predicted hot, sunny conditions returning to the UK in the next few days.
Temperatures are set to soar to more than 20C north of the Border, with the west of Scotland likely to see the best of the sunshine.
It is expected to remain fairly chilly for the next couple of days, with scattered rain, but conditions are set to heat up by Friday.
The predictions come after the UK experienced the sunniest May on record.
Met Office forecaster Bonnie Diamond said: “This week will start dry in Scotland with some sunny spells and temperatures around 13 to 16C.
“Rain will arrive from the west through [Tuesday] evening, with further showers on Wednesday.
“From Thursday it’ll feel warmer, with temperatures rising into the high teens to low 20s Celsius by the weekend, with some dry and sunny spells – though showers are possible at times.
“Beyond this, into the middle of June, it looks like temperatures will most likely be above normal.
“However, it’s not possible to give temperature details at this stage.”
Elsewhere in the UK, thermometers could soar to nearly 30C as high pressure develops over northern Europe bringing drier days over most parts of the country.
Thunderstorms are also anticipated.
The Met Office said: “The first few days of the period, including next weekend and into the start of the following week, should see the driest brightest weather across northern areas of the UK, particularly western Scotland.
“Elsewhere, conditions will be rather changeable, with some sunshine, but also areas of rain or showers.
“Thunderstorms are also likely in places.
“Many parts will become warm, perhaps very warm, particularly northwestern areas.”
All UK countries, including Scotland, recorded their sunniest spring on record in a series stretching back to 1929. It was also the eighth warmest spring on record for the UK.