How unusual is it for temperatures to reach 30C in Scotland?
As temperatures soar over the next few days, I think it's quite possible we'll get very close to 30C – or even break through that big milestone. But how unusual is that?
Well, yes, it's definitely rare to hit 30C in Scotland, and even rarer this early in the season. What's driving it? Much warmer air than usual is being drawn up from the south – the same plume that's pushed parts of France and Spain close to 40C recently, which is also exceptionally hot for this time of year.
Where are we most likely to reach 30C in the next few days?
On Friday I'd say Deeside and the Borders have a decent chance, with Perth and surrounding areas also in the mix.
On Saturday it's most likely in East Lothian and the Borders.
What's the earliest Scotland has reached 30C?
Although I say mid-June might be early for this kind of heat, it's actually not the earliest it's ever happened. That record goes to May 25, 2012, when Inverailort in the Highlands hit 30.9C. Interestingly, that was also the highest temperature recorded that entire year – no day in summer managed to beat it!
How often do we reach 30C in Scotland?
Looking at the past two decades, Scotland has only seen 30C or higher in nine of the last 20 years. Going out even further, it's happened in just 23 years since 1940. So statistically, we only reach 30C about once every four years – making it quite a rare event.
What's Scotland's all-time temperature record?
That was only recently – in July 2022, when Charterhall in the Borders recorded a blistering 34.8C. Before that, the record had stood for almost 20 years, with 33C reached back in 2003.
Could we break that record in the next few days?
Not during this current hot spell. But to be pushing 30C this early in June is impressive. And if we get another burst or two of heat over the next nine weeks – which seems very likely – then a new record isn't out of the question. Although, keep in mind it took over 20 years to beat the previous record.
Records that could go…
While daytime temperature records aren't likely to fall during this spell, it's a different story overnight. Some local nighttime records could be under threat, particularly on Friday night, when temperatures may struggle to drop below the high teens – or even stay in the low 20s well into the night across Argyll and Bute and the Central Belt. It could be one of the warmest June nights on record for some parts of the country.
Will Scotland ever hit 40C?
We've already seen it in England – 40.3C in Lincolnshire in 2022, less than 200 miles from the Scottish border. Back in the early 2000s, if you'd said that would happen, most people would've thought you were talking about Turkey, not the UK!
So, is 40C in Scotland really that far-fetched? Honestly, I'd say never say never – that's one thing meteorology has taught me. But realistically, it's still unlikely in our lifetimes.
What's more plausible is seeing temperatures over 35C within the next decade, and mid-30s becoming more common by the 2050s as our climate continues to warm.
Who knows – maybe one day, someone will dig up this article and use it to look back at a time when 40C in Scotland seemed almost impossible.
How long will this heat last?
Things will start to freshen up a bit from the west by the end of the weekend. That said, the mid-20s could return again mid-next week, especially across the north and east – so the warmth's not quite done yet.
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
33 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Former Rangers kid lands new club as he strengthens promotion chasing SPFL side
Two well-travelled stars of Scottish football are already in the door IN THE DOOR Former Rangers kid lands new club as he strengthens promotion chasing SPFL side Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ex-Rangers kid has earned himself a big move within the SPFL after impressing last season. Becoming his new club's FIFTH signing of the summer already, he joins two former Celtic players coming through the door. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 2 Former Rangers kid Arron Lyall has joined recently relegated Ross County Credit: Kenny Ramsay 2 He impressed for fellow Championship side Greenock Morton last season Credit: Kenny Ramsay Ross County are bolstering their squad for a promotion bid having been relegated from the Premiership to the Championship via a playoff against Livingston. And the latest star they've picked up is Morton winger Arron Lyall. The 21-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at Ibrox, made an impact at Cappielow but has now made the switch to a league rival. He appeared in every match for the Greenock side last campaign, scoring two goals and assisting six. The Scotland youth cap only made one very short cameo for the Gers' senior team back in 2023 against Hibs in a post-split league fixture. But he also had a fairly successful loan spell at Airdrieonians before arriving at Morton. He joins the Staggies on a two-year deal, and manager Don Cowie said: "Arron arrives at the club on the back of an excellent season at Greenock Morton where he was named as their Young Player of the Year. "We are delighted we've managed to beat of a lot interest in securing the signature of Arron as we believe we have a player with fantastic potential, who possesses great technical ability from the midfield area which will excite our supporters." Sunderland defender Ben Crompton and Dundee United midfielder Ross Docherty recently committed to join the Dingwall outfit. And two familiar and experienced faces in Scottish football - both formerly of Celtic - have made the move. Shocking moment yobs brawl in Dingwall street before Ross County vs Livingston play-off clash They are centre back Declan Gallagher and winger Gary Mackay-Steven, the latter being a returning player for County as he made his start there as a kid. With 400 career games played in his career, most recently at Kilmarnock, Cowie commented: "Gary is another great addition to the group as he makes his return to the club. "He offers us good experience in the wide area of the pitch and we are delighted he has chosen to head back up North for the next chapter of his career." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
The Royal Highland Show 2025 in pictures
It's that time of year again - the Royal Highland Show is back, running from Thursday to Sunday. The country's biggest agricultural show, it will see almost 200,000 visitors pass through the gates, and more than 4,000 farm animals are brought to the arena. Hundreds of businesses have filled up the grounds, selling everything from agricultural machinery, clothing and motor vehicles to Scottish food and drink. Here are 18 images from this year's RHS. 1 . Say cheese The judging continues on day three of the show. The RHS sees over 190,000 visitors each year. | Lisa Ferguson Photo Sales 2 . Very grand What a grand and proud face. Over 6,000 animals are shown at the Royal Highland Centre over duration of the show. | Lisa Ferguson Photo Sales 3 . Trio of sheep The animal's are brought out in front of the judges to face inspection and a range of livestock is exhibited at the show each year. | Lisa Ferguson Photo Sales 4 . Another one for the judges Another proud animal! The show has been taking place at Ingliston since 1822. | Lisa Ferguson Photo Sales
Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Scotsman
'Scottish Gary Neville' offers vigorous defence of 'excellent' 29 y/o coach amid surprise SPFL appointment
The young Spanish coach is set to join Scottish Championship outfit St Johnstone. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... St Johnstone have urged to ignore any negativity around their surprise appointment of 29-year-old coach Jordi Aluja, with the young Spaniard hailed as an 'excellent' capture for the Scottish Championship side. Currently in charge of Finnish reserve side AC Oulu, Aluja is set to join Simo Valakari's backroom staff as part of a summer reshuffle that has already resulted in Andy Kirk and Alex Cleland departing McDiarmid Park following the club's relegation from the Scottish Premiership last season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to a report from The Courier, Aluja has agreed to join the Saints and will land in Scotland this weekend in order to submit a work permit application. If approved, he will join Valakari's backroom staff alongside goalkeeper coach Gordon Marshall and performance manager, and Valakari's son, Paavo. Spanish coach Jordi Aluja is set to join Simo Valakari's backroom staff at St Johnstone. Cr: YouTube. | YouTube Despite his young years, Aluja has built up almost a decade worth of experience in the game have started his professional career in Spain with CF Amposta in 2016. Working as an assistant coach for Angkor Tiger in Cambodia, he first moved to Finland in 2020 to join Kotkan Työväen Palloilijat. Despite having a positive reputation in Europe, his imminent arrival has drew scepticism from sections of the St Johnstone support, with one fan site saying they were concerned the club were 'rolling back on appointing experienced Scottish assistant', adding that the Aluja's appointment felt like a 'big risk' for the recently relegated Perthshire outfit. However, the club's decision has been praised by former St Johnstone head scout, and current manager of SJK Seinäjoki, Stevie Grieve. The 38-year-old - nicknamed 'the Scottish Gary Neville' due to his analytical approach to football - has carved out an impressive career of his own having started his coaching career at the age of just 16 in a local community centre in his native Perth. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Simo Valakari's was unable to keep St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership last season. | SNS Group. Progressing through grassroots football, Grieve was handed his first senior role in academy football with Dundee FC's under-17 team, and has enjoyed a diverse coaching career that has taken him to India, USA and Switzerland.
