Scotland basked in a rare heatwave this weekend, with temperatures soaring to 28.9°C at Drumnadrochit by the shores of Loch Ness on Friday, June 20, 2025, marking the hottest day of the year so far. Other hotspots included Charterhall in the Scottish Borders and Aboyne in Aberdeenshire, both hitting 28.7°C, while Edinburgh reached a balmy 28.4°C and Glasgow warmed up to 27.3°C. These figures far exceeded Scotland’s average mid-June temperature of around 17°C, delivering a welcome break from the typically cooler climate.
The warm spell was part of a mini-heatwave expected to blanket Scotland until Sunday, June 22, with Friday peaking as the hottest day. The Met Office forecasted that temperatures would slightly dip on the summer solstice, Saturday, June 21, possibly accompanied by some rainy spells. Interestingly, Scotland’s warmest summer solstice was recorded back in 1936 when Achnashellach in the Highlands reportedly reached 30°C, and temperatures have not hit 28°C on a solstice since 1941. This weekend, parts of the Borders and the northeast were poised to match that 28°C mark.
Meanwhile, England experienced even more intense heat, with temperatures climbing to 32.2°C in Kew, west London, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, and forecasts predicting highs up to 33°C on Friday. An amber heat-health alert was in place for all regions in England, underscoring the seriousness of the soaring temperatures. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley highlighted that the highest temperatures would occur on Saturday, June 21, with low 30s Celsius widely across England and up to 34°C possible in eastern areas. Despite slightly lower temperatures in northern and western parts of the UK, the humidity made the heat feel particularly uncomfortable.
Scotland’s hot spell was attributed to high-pressure systems bringing settled, dry conditions, allowing sunshine to dominate after a soggy and windy start to June. The Met Office noted that the warmest day of 2025 prior to this heatwave was June 14, when Lossiemouth in Moray recorded a peak temperature of 25.7°C. However, the recent highs eclipsed that mark, with some areas hitting nearly 29°C.
Temperatures in Scotland’s central belt, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, hovered around 24–26°C on Thursday, June 19, before climbing further on Friday. Specific locations such as Kelso in the Borders were expected to reach 28°C, with Pitlochry, Jedburgh, and Berwick-upon-Tweed hitting approximately 27°C during the early afternoon. Dundee saw similar temperatures, while Aberdeen remained a bit cooler at 24°C.
While the heat brought joy to many, it also prompted health warnings from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC). Dr Emilia Crighton, the health board’s director of public health, urged people to enjoy the good weather safely by covering up in the sun, staying hydrated, and ensuring food is properly cooked if barbecuing. She emphasized, “This is a great time to get outside and enjoy warmer weather and longer days with friends and family. Please enjoy the good weather safely by covering up when in the sun, staying hydrated and making sure food is properly cooked if barbecued.”
NHSGGC also advised the public to be vigilant against common warm-weather health issues such as sunburn, food poisoning, bites, and stings. They recommended keeping over-the-counter medicines, a first aid kit, and ice packs at home to manage minor injuries like cuts, bruises, sprains, and strains. The health board stressed the importance of “thinking ABC before A&E” — Ask yourself if you need to go out, Be aware of local services like GPs and pharmacies, and Call 111 if urgent or unsure. This approach aims to reduce unnecessary pressure on emergency departments and ensure patients receive the right care in the right place.
In addition to health concerns, environmental agencies like the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) warned that the dry spell could cause increased river stress, following the second driest spring in 100 years. Although recent rainfall brought some short-term relief, Sepa noted that above-average rain would be necessary to restore water levels to normal.
The hot weather also brought out locals and tourists alike to enjoy Scotland’s natural beauty. In Aberdeen, five-year-old Broden was spotted enjoying the sunshine at a playpark, while visitors like Daniel and Jasmin Jenson from Germany expressed surprise at the warmth, having packed warm clothes they didn’t need. Margaret Kelly, holidaying in Broughty Ferry, described the weather as “phenomenal.”
Looking ahead, forecasters predicted that while Saturday would remain dry and fine for many, increasing cloud cover from the west could bring showers and even thunderstorms, particularly across northern and western parts of the UK, including North Wales, northern England, and southern Scotland. These storms might bring heavy downpours, frequent lightning, gusty winds, and possibly large hail. Nighttime temperatures were expected to remain high, with some areas experiencing “tropical nights” where temperatures do not fall below 20°C, making sleep difficult.
By Sunday, fresher air from the Atlantic was forecast to ease temperatures from the west, though parts of East Anglia and southeast England might still see highs of 28–29°C. This cooling trend would mark the end of the mini-heatwave, but the recent record-breaking warmth reminded Scots and their neighbors south of the border of the increasing frequency and intensity of summer heat spells.
Historically, Scotland’s hottest June day was recorded on June 18, 1893, when temperatures soared to 32.2°C at Ochtertyre, Perth and Kinross. While the recent weekend’s heat did not quite match that record, it was a notable event in Scotland’s typically temperate climate and brought a much-needed dose of sunshine and warmth to the country.
