The Met Office has issued a promising update on the next sweltering heatwave that could hit Scotland this month.
Hot air from an 'African plume' was predicted to drift over from the continent and reach UK shores in August replacing thunderstorms and torrential rain.
Forecasters had previously predicted the UK could also be braced for a sweltering heatwave from August 15 with "above average temperatures" and "very hot" conditions.
However, this warm weather was thrown into doubt after Met Office forecasters said temperatures would be 'below average' and little signal for any exceptionally hot weather.”
The Met Office has now issued its latest long-range forecast, which is updated every day, stating that there is the 'potential for hotter weather later in the month'.
August 18 to September 1 could see 'above average temperatures' with 'rainfall most likely below average', meaning sunshine could make its way back to Scotland.
Europe, including Turkey, Greece, Italy and Finland, is currently frying under an intense heatwave bringing record-baking temperatures and raging wildfires.
This high pressure from the Mediterranean Sea will push storms northward and drier weather should “spread in from the south,” bringing with it a tropical air mass, according to the BBC’s monthly outlook.
Long-range predictions are often not as accurate as shorter-range forecasts. The Met Office says this is because "the chaotic nature of the atmosphere starts to come into play".
Last month, the Met Office's long-range forecast cast doubt over warm weather in July.
However, the country ended up baking in a week-long heatwave, meaning things could be hopeful this month if the weather changes.
UK long range forecast
August 8 - 17
Sunny spells and showers for many areas at the start of this period, with most frequent showers probably in the north and west.
By the middle of next week there is an increasing likelihood of thicker cloud bringing rain to northwestern areas, together with stronger winds.
These more unsettled conditions are likely to spread southeastwards through the latter part of next week.
Beyond this it is likely to remain changeable; confidence is low in terms of detail, but most places will likely see showers or longer spells of rain, interspersed with some drier, more settled periods.
Some strong winds are possible at times, especially in the northwest. Temperatures are most likely to be around average, perhaps warm in the east and southeast.
August 18 - September 1
Although confidence is very low through this period, a continuation of changeable conditions is most likely.
Some more settled weather may develop, particularly towards the north and northeast of the UK.
Temperatures are likely to be above average, with the potential for hotter weather later in the month with rainfall most likely below average.
