Scotland to sizzle in 18C temperatures today as African heat rush brings warm weather front

Scotland is set to be hotter than the Mediterranean today, with temperatures reaching 18C.

An 800-mile-wide African heat rush will bring Britain's warmest day for six months and Scotland will be hotter than 17C Barcelona.

After 12C cloud and ­showers tomorrow, highs pushing 18C are also due on Wednesday and Thursday, with a 15C Easter weekend.

Scotland will see warm and sunny spells but with showers at times.

Predicted sunshine over the Easter weekend has triggered fears about Scots breaking the coronavirus lockdown to visit ­family and friends on what is ­normally one of the busiest times of the year for
domestic ­tourism.

There are fears that the weather may result in temptations to break lockdown restrictions (Garry F McHarg Daily Record)

With 21C in England today and 23C due midweek, temperatures are the ­highest in the UK since late September, Met Office records show.

The Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: “It’s a Sunday roast with 18C in Scotland – and after ­Monday showers, up to 18C is on the cards on ­Wednesday and Thursday.

“Warm air is coming all the way from off the ­north-west coast of Africa, with good sunny spells ­during the next week.

“The Easter weekend will be a little cooler and could see some April showers, most likely in the North.”

Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: “Spring is in the air, with southerly winds and further warm temperatures in the next week at times.”