Scotland bakes at 28C on hottest day of the year

Temperatures have risen above 28C on what is Scotland's hottest day of the year so far.

A peak of 28.9C was recorded at Drumnadrochit on the shore of Loch Ness, while Charterhall in the Scottish Borders hit 28.7C. Edinburgh and Aboyne reached 28.1C, ahead of Aviemore and Glasgow on 27C.

The average temperature for this point in June in Scotland is around 17C.

Meanwhile, parts of England could declare a heatwave on Friday, with temperatures expected to go as high as 32C.

Northern Ireland may see highs in excess of 25C. While in Wales maximum temperatures will range from 28C to 31C.

The previous hottest day of 2025 was last Friday, with Lossiemouth recording a top temperature of 25.7C.

The current warm spell is not technically a heatwave. In Scotland, it must reach 25C on at least three consecutive days in the same area to meet the criteria.

On Thursday, Glasgow's top temperature was 24.4C, so even with Friday and Saturday both expected to reach above 25C, it will be just shy of a heatwave.

Friday's highest temperature of 28.7C surpasses 2024's warmest day, when a high of 28C was recorded in Oyne, Aberdeenshire.

The warm weather is expected to continue into the weekend but Friday is expected to be the peak of the heat in Scotland.

Temperatures are expected to drop ever so slightly on the summer solstice, which falls on Saturday, and there could be rainy spells.

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, meaning the day with the most hours of daylight.

Scotland's warmest summer solstice was in 1936 when Achnashellach in the Highlands apparently reached 30C. Temperatures have not reached 28C on a summer solstice in Scotland since 1941.

A few spots, including the Borders and the north east, could match that record as they are expected to reach 28C.

Margaret Kelly, who was visiting Broughty Ferry with her mum Margaret, said: "We've hired a holiday home here, it's phenomenal to have hot weather at this time of year in Scotland."

In Aberdeenshire, Daniel and Jasmin Jenson, from Fintel in Germany were on holiday at Potarch, on the banks of the River Dee, with their five-year-old son, Ben.

"It's hotter in Germany but it's very nice here," said Daniel.

"The weather is great, the sun is shining, no clouds.

"We weren't expecting it to be as warm, as it's always raining - we took lots of warm clothes that we don't need."

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has urged people to stay safe as the warm weather continues.

The health board advised people to be aware of sunburn, food poisoning, bites and stings, which are all common during sunny spells.

Dr Emilia Crighton, the health board's director of public health, said: "This is a great time to get outside and enjoy warmer weather and longer days with friends and family.

"Please enjoy the good weather safely by covering up when in the sun, staying hydrated and making sure food is properly cooked if barbecued".

Sepa has warned that the dry spell could cause more river stress, following the second driest spring in 100 years.

The environment agency said rainfall over the past few weeks has provided short-term improvement for water scarcity levels, but above average amounts of rain would be needed to return levels to usual.