A heatwave with temperatures exceeding 30C is on course to hit parts of the UK this week - but not Scotland.
Forecasters say the first spell of hot weather this summer will elude Scots who will instead face rain and humidity over the coming days.
There will be average temperatures north of the border - a marked difference between the weather in the southern half of the UK that could reach 34C.
In contrast, a cold front of rain and clouds is expected to lash down beginning Thursday night, particularly over western Scotland.
The key words for Scotland's Thursday forecast are humid and fairly warm as highs range from 16C to 21C with the balmiest weather in the east.
Rain will gather force and sweep eastward from the evening on Thursday.
"Tonight (Thursday) the rain will gather force across many parts of the country, some heavy pulses especially in the west where there will be a strengthening southerly wind," said meteorologist Calum Maccoll of BBC Scotland Weather.
A sticky night is in order for people across the country.
He added: "Generally drier in the southeast, but wherever you are, a humid night to come."
Temperatures in Scotland on Friday could be cooler due to this bout of wet weather.
Experts say the source of the scorching heat down south is warm air that's been sitting over the continent.
"The heat is a result of a mix of home-grown warming due to a high pressure over the southern half of the UK, as well as a south westerly airflow bringing warm air, which has been over the continent through the week, across the country," said Jason Kelly, Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist.
To be officially deemed a heatwave, a location must exceed the heatwave temperature threshold, which varies by county, over three consecutive days, but this spell of warm weather will be relatively short-lived.
Scotland's cold front will travel down over the UK and bring cooler conditions on Saturday.
The Met Office's five-day UK forecast
Unsettled in north, sunny and increasingly hot in south.
Today:
Northwestern UK, mainly western Scotland, cloudy with occasional rain, heavier for a time. Scattered heavier showers likely in northeast Scotland for a time too. Most of southern UK seeing plenty of very warm sunshine, though with some high cloud too.
Tonight:
Rain turning heavier and more widespread for northwestern UK, along with stronger winds, although the far northwest drier later. Southern areas mostly fine and warmer than recent nights.
Friday:
Southern areas mostly sunny; hot inland, parts of the south and east very hot. Further north, heavy rain eases and sinks south, followed by brighter weather and isolated showers.
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