Scotland to rival the Algarve in heatwave

SCOTS will bask in a heatwave next week as temperatures promise to match the Algarve in Portugal.

The mercury is forecast to reach 79F (26C) just as many schools prepare to break up for the summer.

The warm weather is set to continue into next month thanks to high pressure dragging simmering heat up from France and Spain.

Met Office forecaster Bonnie Diamond said: ‘We are looking at dry, fine conditions with prolonged periods of sunshine. Glasgow could even reach 79F (26C) by Tuesday.’

After one of the sunniest, driest Mays on record, Scotland began this month on a high, with temperatures regularly topping 70F (21C).

A blip in the middle of the month meant a return to cloudy skies, rain and stormy weather.

However, from today, an area of high pressure prepares to dominate conditions for nearly a fortnight.

Miss Diamond added: ‘From next Tuesday, southerly influences take over which means we will draw the warm air coming up from the Continent.’

Figures for the first half of June reveal a hot month so far, with temperatures in the west of the country two to three degrees higher than average.

Despite the sunshine, rainfall levels in the West of Scotland remain about average after heavy rainfall on Tuesday.