Scotland is set to bake as high pressure sweeps in summer temperatures
is set to sizzle with temperatures predicted to hit the mid 20s this week.
It will be largely dry, warm and sunny with temperatures hovering in the low to mid 20s for most, several degrees warmer than the May average, the Met Office said.
And meteorologists predict the good weather could extend into next week.
Despite a wet start to the week for some in western areas, the showers and clouds should largely clear by Wednesday bringing in a band of warm weather for most of the UK.
The balmy conditions have swept in on a high pressure system, dragging in hot air from the continent, meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said.
Parts of the country could even see the mercury rise to 26C, which would be the warmest day of the year so far.
The high pressure system will see western parts of the country including Ayrshire, Argyll and the west Highlands experiencing the best of the weather, with the east coast set to be slightly cooler with haar at times later in the week.
Mr Dewhurst said: “On Sunday we had a high of 24C and the day before we had 23C usually in May we expect highs of around 17C.
“Temperatures in the low to mid 20s should continue for this week, with quite widespread warmth across the country.
“But an easterly wind will make it feel a bit cooler across the North Sea coast as we move on.
“UV (ultra violet) levels are generally high across the UK as well, so people should make sure they’re protected from the sun.”
Forecasters also predict the good weather could continscotland ue through to the end of the month and beyond.
STV weather presenter Sean Batty said: “Temperatures will reach the low to mid 20s in the west and could possibly exceed the highest temperature recorded so far this year of 25C at Floors Castle in the Borders.
“The good weather looks set to last through the holiday weekend, with some of the highest temperatures of the week expected to occur then.”