SCOTLAND’S glorious September sizzle is set to end as experts warn wet and wild weather is on the way in a matter of days.
Scots have been enjoying a much-needed Indian summer basking in nearly two weeks of wall-to-wall sunshine and balmier temperatures than usual for the time of the year.
The settled conditions have been welcome after the country endured a dreary summer causing misery for the school holidays as temperatures dipped to as low as 7C in July.
But sun-worshippers have enjoyed a late-stage heatwave with the mercury hitting 24C across Scotland – even managing to outshine European hotspots like Barcelona, Rome and Nice.
It has been caused by high pressure that drifted towards Scandinavia and pulled warm air from the South Atlantic.
The average temperature at this time of year is usually around 13C.
Last night, Met Office meteorologist Clare Nasir said Scotland is expected to hit 25C on Thursday.
Temperatures are expected to take a slight dip on Friday – possibly ruling out the unlikely accolade.
However, the good times will be washed away in the coming days as weather watchers predict the return of dismal conditions – thanks to an Atlantic jet stream heading our way.
Weather maps reveal the UK is set for dramatic conditions in the next few days.
According to the Met Office, the jet stream is a core of strong winds around five to seven miles above the Earth‘s surface, blowing from west to east.
Forecasters are predicting the country could be hit with torrential rain and gales as early as next Monday.
WXCharts.com show Dundee and the wider Angus and Tayside area taking the brunch of the heavy rain and blustery conditions at the start of the week.
Parts of Lanarkshire, Perthshire, and Aberdeenshire will also be affected.
But the sunshine should last for the rest of the week and this weekend should remain dry and bright, with temperatures of 19C (66F) on Saturday.
This Sunday is official autumn, when we see equal amounts of light and dark, and will see a high of 18C.
However, by September 28, the mercury will plummet to below freezing, with more realistic autumn temperatures.
Fort William will see -2C and it will drop from 22C this week to a chilly minus four next week in Braemar.