Scotland Records Hottest Day Amid Severe 60-Year Drought

Scotland is experiencing an exceptionally dry and warm spring, with reservoir levels dropping amid the driest start to the year since 1964, prompting water conservation appeals including shorter showers and hosepipe bans. Temperatures have soared above 25C, with Auchincruive and Tyndrum recording some of the hottest days of the year, and the country is on the verge of its first heatwave of 2025, defined as three consecutive days exceeding local temperature thresholds. This sustained heatwave and dry weather have led to water scarcity alerts across much of Scotland, with major rivers running low and concerns raised by environmental authorities about the pressure on water supplies. Meanwhile, Scotland has at times been hotter and drier than traditional European holiday destinations like Tenerife and Majorca. The Met Office forecasts continued high pressure and dry conditions through the middle of next week, with little rain expected until at least the weekend. Firefighters are also under strain battling wildfires during this hot spell, underscoring the severity of the current drought and heatwave conditions.