25 May 2018
Doctors are warning people to take extra care in the sun as parts of Scotland prepare for one of the hottest May Bank Holiday weekends. BBC forecasters say temperatures in Scotland are expected to rise over the weekend and may reach as high as 24°C (75°F) on Monday in the west of Scotland.
NHS Borders is advising that particular care should be taken of the very young, the very old and those with chronic diseases. Hot weather can also affect people with respiratory problems. Temperatures in the south east of Scotland are likely to be highest over Saturday and Sunday.
The warmest late May bank holiday weekend on record is officially 32.8°C (91°F), set on the 29 May 1944 bank holiday Monday in Horsham, West Sussex, and Tunbridge Wells, in Kent, together with London's Regent's Park just a few days ahead of D-Day.
Dr Tim Patterson, NHS Borders Director of Public Health, said: "We want everyone to enjoy their time in the sun but people need to be sensible and take precautions, which will ensure they stay healthy while enjoying the weather.
"There are a number of outdoor events in the Borders this weekend, so we would encourage you remember to take steps to stay safe. The aim for everyone is to have an enjoyable weekend, in this much anticipated warm spell, while avoiding food poisoning and sunburn, neither of which are very much fun."
Fire chiefs in Scotland have warned of an increased risk of wildfires, following a series of blazes across the country. They have reminded the public that discarded cigarettes and unattended barbeques or campfires can start fires which burn for days and devastate vast areas of land. The Scottish Wildfire Forum has urged people to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.