Scots are set to bask in the sun this weekend with Glasgow hotter than the Greek capital Athens amid an ‘extreme’ wildfire risk.
Temperatures are expected to reach 20C on Friday with those venturing out urged not to light fires and be ‘mindful that one spark can spread causing a large amount of damage’.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) warned of a ‘very high’ risk of wildfires in western, central and eastern areas yesterday, which has today been upgraded to ‘extreme’ across western parts amid a band of high pressure.
The ‘very high’ risk will be in place across central and eastern Scotland until the end of the weekend when temperatures are expected to remain in the high teens or above.
Overnight temperatures could, however, plummet to as low as -3C, with frost predicted in some rural parts. The Met Office said it would be a ‘pleasant weekend to be out and about’.
Students enjoy the sun in a Glasgow park as the fine weather continues
Crowds flocked to Glasgow's Botanic Gardens to enjoy the fine weather
Troon beach on Scotland's west coast also attracted the sun worshippers
Glasgow looks set to be the warmest city in the country on Friday at 20C, with the chance temperatures could rise to as high as 21C over the weekend.
In comparison Athens is only expected to peak at 19C on Friday. SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour urged families heading outside to act responsibly.
He said: ‘Wildfires have the potential to destroy property, landscapes and wildlife, which is why it is so important that members of the public use extreme caution under these conditions.
'People living in the impacted areas should avoid lighting outdoor fires and be mindful that one spark can spread causing a large amount of damage.’
He said there is ‘no such thing as a harmless fire’ and urged anyone who spots ‘a large outdoor fire’ to report it immediately.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said high pressure would ‘remain broadly in charge’ this weekend and ‘most places will remain dry with a fair amount of sunshine’.
He added: ‘As is often the case, there are a few exceptions, with cloudier conditions for some at times and patchy rain possible for northern Scotland later in the weekend.
‘But in the sunshine, we’re expecting temperatures to steadily climb, likely peaking in the low 20s on Friday and over the weekend. Onshore breezes will keep some coastal areas somewhat cooler.’
While daytime temperatures will be a welcome change to the chilly and breezy conditions of late, gardeners were warned that ‘patchy frost is also likely’ where skies are clear and winds light overnight.