SCOTS are set to bask in a beer garden scorcher tomorrow with temperatures predicted to be hotter than Barcelona.
The Med-style conditions will spark a supermarket sweep of burgers, buns, beers and bangers this morning as families prepare to soak up the rays at garden barbecues.
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But forecasters are warning that soaring temperatures will be accompanied by significantly strong UV levels, which can burn sensitive skin within minutes.
There’s even evidence that mosquitos associated with more tropical climates are making their way here as a result of the heat.
High pressure dominating the UK is expected to create the country’s highest temperatures of 2024 so far, with a sizzling 27C forecast for eastern England.
The north and west of Scotland will see the best of the conditions here, when the mercury is expected to climb to 24C.
At Celtic Park, 60,000 home supporters will be fired up for the lunch time match with Rangers, the result of which could determine the destination of the SPL trophy.
Meanwhile, Istanbul in Turkey will shiver under 16C showers and bathers on the Cote d’Azur may have to put their tops back on as it will only be 21C in St Tropez.
The party isle of Ibiza will register the same value, as will the neighbouring port of Barcelona in Catalonia.
Alex Deakin of the Met Office said: “Warm and sunny…..it’s a long time since we were able to say that over recent months.
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“But that’s the forecast for most of us.
“It will be a fine start to the weekend, with most towns starting with temperatures in double digits.
“On Saturday, it’s a fine day to come, with light winds, likely spells of spring sunshine with temperatures responding as a result.
“On Sunday, we will start to see a change, with some haar on the eastern side of Scotland but for most places, it’s another fine, warm and sunny day.”
He said the west of Scotland could see some ‘hit and miss’ showers tomorrow afternoon, but mostly on the hills.
One of the most common type of mosquito has been discovered for the first time in Scotland, according to researchers at the University of Glasgow.
They found 16 types of mosquito, including the Culex pipiens, which is common in North and South America, parts of Europe and some areas of Asia and Northern Africa.
Prof Heather Ferguson, who has been leading the study, said they were surprised to find the insects in all corners of the country.
She warned that warmer temperatures could lead to larger numbers of mosquitoes, including ones from areas where they can transmit diseases.
Tomorrow’s biggest danger comes from high UV ratings, estimated to be ‘moderate to high’ today.
Tesco has seen demand for BBQ food jump to the top of shopping lists.
And as a good indicator as to where families will be dining over the weekend, the supermarket anticipates demand for BBQ fuel to double compared to last weekend.
Based on growing early demand, Tesco predicts that this weekend, it will sell 1 million packs of sausages, nearly 400,000 packs of burgers, 500,000 packs of BBQ meat including chicken wings, beef kebabs and BBQ pulled pork, more than 1 million punnets of strawberries, 1.7 million ice creams and lollies, nearly 4 million bottles and cans of beer and cider.
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Tesco BBQ meat range buyer Evangeline Plant said: “We anticipate that Britain will be going BBQ crazy this weekend, especially after months of rain and the fact that we’re already half way through spring.”
Tonight will offer Scots the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights since 2005.
