'Hotter than Zante!' Scotland records warmest September temperature for a century (but rain is on the way!)

The Met Office confirmed the reading

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 8th Sep 2021

Scotland's warmest September temperature for more than a hundred years has been detected in the Borders.

The mercury hit 28.6 degrees Celsius in Charterhall, near Duns, earlier - as people across the country get some unseasonably late sunshine.

That's hotter than 27 degrees in Madrid and 24 degrees Celsius in Zante.

It hasn't been that hot at this time of year since 1902 - when 32.2 degrees Celsius was registered in Moray.

But sun-worshippers are being urged to soak it up while they can - with the Met Office issuing a Yellow weather warning for thunderstorms to follow tomorrow.

The Scottish Enivronment Protection Agency (SEPA) has also placed much of Scotland on flood alert ahead of the anticipated downpours.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "During Thursday morning we will see heavy showers and thunderstorms develop in the south and gradually move north.

"There will also be a band of heavy rain and thunderstorms lingering around the Western Isles that will persist for much of the day.

"Whilst not all areas will see the heavy showers and thunderstorms, there is the potential to see an alignment of the rainfall which could lead to large rainfall totals in a small period of time.

"This can lead to flooding occurring in areas that may not normally be susceptible to flooding, particularly in urban areas.

"This morning we have issued a thunderstorm warning covering most of the country, away from the Northern Isles and some coastal areas.

"This will be valid from 10am on Thursday until 8pm, and is assessed as a very low likelihood of medium impacts and brings the potential of seeing homes and businesses flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

"Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services, with spray and sudden flooding leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures. There is a small chance that some rural communities could temporarily become cut off by flooded roads.

"Friday looks to see some showers and the odd thunderstorm lingering, but at the moment these look a step down on what we expect to see on Thursday so further warnings are not expected at this point."

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