Hottest day of the year (with homes lef t high and dry)

KEEPING cool proved to be yesterday’s main challenge as Scotland finally savoured its hottest day of the year.

But the selfish attempts of some left thousands of others frustrated after water supplies to households were severely disrupted.

As temperatures yesterday outdid Spain to peak at 75f (23.8c) at Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, vandals set off fire hydrants in a number of areas across Greater Glasgow and the Central Belt.

It resulted in a total loss of household supplies or low pressure in some areas, while others reported discoloured water.

Now worried water chiefs are desperately trying to get the message that these actions could potentially lead to a loss of life.

Yesterday Jim Hassan, Scottish Water’s operations manager, said: ‘Some children and teenagers, and even some adults, think setting off a fire hydrant is fun and just a prank.

‘ But they’re wrong. Fire hydrant vandalism is very serious and can have potentially fatal consequences.’

He stressed that fire hydrants are essential for firefighting and an inadequate water supply can hamper the work of firefighters while endangering both lives and property.

Superintendent Ross Aitken, of Police Scotland, warned it could prove to be a costly exercise and lead to a fine of up to £5,000.

He said: ‘The act of damaging a high powered fire hydrant could lead to injury to passers-by or passing motorists.

‘Anyone found misusing or vandalising them can be assured that police will take appropriate action.’

This comes just days after the country was battered with torrential downpours and strong winds.

And although Scotland’s topsy turvy weather appears to have taken a turn for the better it is only temporary.

For sun-worshippers should make the most of today’s glorious sunshine before

‘Grab the golden rays

while they last’

they are left in the shade once more over the coming weekend.

Forecasters say the mercury could plunge by 23f (13c) tomorrow, with temperatures dropping to a comparitively chilly 52f (11c) overnight.

Yesterday Met Office spokesman Dan Williams said: ‘Scotland had its hottest day of the year, so far, when the temperature finally reached 23.8c at Aboyne. In fact, many parts of Scotland as well as Northern Ireland and Wales basked in glorious sunshine, resulting in them all recording their highest temperature in 2015.

‘And while many areas will enjoy similar sunny conditions over the coming 24 hours – with Friday’s 68f (20c) still being 5c above average for the time of year – it is going to change.’

The forecaster admitted: ‘There’s a big change in temperatures from Friday to the weekend as cooler air arrives. It will feel markedly cooler.’

Meanwhile STV forecaster Jo Farrow warned: ‘Much cooler air will flow down on Saturday. Frost is showing on forecast models for Scotland.’

Having seen the mercury reach 73f (23.1c) at Leuchars in Fife on Wednesday, Scots sunseekers had hoped it was just the start of the better weather.

Despite proving hotter than the Middle East and Cadiz in Spain yesterday, it will now be a case of grabbing the golden rays – while they last.