Scotland has recorded its highest temperature since records began after weather monitoring stations picked up a sweltering 34.8C in the Borders - nearly 2C above the previous high.
The Met Office says that it has detected a "provisional" new high temperature of 34.8C at Charterhall in the Borders on Tuesday afternoon. While the record is not yet official, it surpasses the previous Scottish record that was also set in the Borders - 32.9C in Greycrook on August 9 2003.
The forecaster said on Twitter: "Charterhall in the Scottish Borders has provisionally set a new maximum temperature record for Scotland today. The temperature rose to 34.8°C earlier this afternoon, exceeding the previous record of 32.9°C recorded in Greycrook on 9th August 2003."
Scots have been soaking up the sun on the second of two days of amber weather warnings for "extreme heat", which comes to an end at midnight tonight. Forecasters at the Met Office say those basking in the high temperatures run the risk of "adverse health effects" if they are particularly vulnerable to the warmer climate.
Scotrail, meanwhile, has urged travellers to check if their services are running before turning up at stations after it was forced to impose speed restrictions on several lines due to the heat. The rail operator warned travellers: "Check your journey and think about getting an earlier train home to avoid busy services at the end of the day."
The Scottish Government earlier issued advice to Scots who were making the most of the continental temperatures - including asking people to avoid drinking "excess alcohol" in order to stave off dehydration. Keith Brown, the Scottish Government resilience minister, said he is “receiving regular updates from partners including Transport Scotland, the Met Office, the NHS and emergency services and we’ll continue to closely monitor developments”.
He added: “When temperatures increase, it’s important to monitor forecasts and follow public health advice, including staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding excess alcohol. People should also look out for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, as older people, those with underlying conditions and those living alone may struggle to keep cool and hydrated.”
The amber weather warning has been lifted for much of Wales and south-west England after the heat began dissipating eastwards across the mainland, where red warnings also remain in effect and the temperature has officially climbed above 40C. A yellow weather warning has also been issued for thunderstorms in the south-east of Scotland that runs until 8pm today.
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