Hot summers with regular 30C days are likely to become the norm, according to experts from Edinburgh University.
UK climate projections put forward by the Met Office have been analysed by teams from Edinburgh and Oxford universities, and they say regular mid-year heatwaves are to be expected in the future.
In 2018 Scotland experienced a hot summer, with near record highs of 31.9C reported in some parts – and these types of temperatures are likely to become a common occurrence towards, rather than a one-off, the end of the century.
This is unless greenhouse gas emissions are cut substantially. The experts say human influences had made the heatwave more likely, and sustainable long-term planning is now required.
Lead researcher Professor Simon Tett, of the University of Edinburgh’s school of geosciences, said: “Despite its cool climate, Scotland must start to prepare now for the impact of high-temperature extremes.
“The bottom line is that heatwaves have become more likely because of human-induced climate change.”
The study, funded by ClimateXchange, was published online by IOPscience.
The weather predictions are a far cry from current conditions, with a Met Office weather warning currently in place across Edinburgh for high winds.
Forecasters reckon the worst of the weather is likely to hit on Monday afternoon, with a "danger to life" alert even in place.
The Met Office say that there's a slight chance of some damage to buildings, and transport could be affected with rail, road and air all potentially affected.
