FORECASTERS have said that Scotland is expected to see one of the hottest May Bank Holiday weekends on record.

Temperatures in the west are set to rise to as high as 26C (78F) on Monday following days of sunshine on Saturday and Sunday.

Doctors have warned people to take extra care during the heatwave, and ensure they wear plenty of sunscreen and keep hydrated.

The Met Office have said that temperatures could be 10C higher than normal for this time of year, with the best of the weather concentrated around the west side of the country.

However, Edinburgh and the east will see significantly cooler climes, with a stiff north breeze lowering the mercury to an average of 14C (57).

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Met Office forecaster Bonnie Diamond said: "It is going to be a very warm weekend, with the best of the weather concentrated in the west.

"On the coast we should see temperatures between 18C and 22C while it will feel hotter inland with 24/25C predicted for Aviemore. 

"On Monday Glasgow could see temperatures of 25C rising to 26C further inland. The warm and sunny weather should also continue for the rest of the week."

The heatwave follows several days of rising temperatures, which have seen many people taking to parks and public gardens to soak up the rays.

However, medics have warned people to take care in the sunshine, and be aware of the health risks of staying out too long. 

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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said particular care should be taken of the very young, the very old and those with chronic diseases.

It also said hot weather could affect people with respiratory problems.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Director of Public Health called for people to look after their skin in the sun.

Dr de Caestecker said:  “The next few days are predicted to be very warm, so it’s understandable that people get excited.  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. 

“People should try to avoid being in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day between 12 noon and 3pm.  Replenishing fluids is really important as everyone runs the risk of becoming relatively dehydrated in this heat and everyone should be particularly careful to take extra liquids, cold tap water is ideal, at regular intervals."

She added: “Children are especially vulnerable and care should be taken to ensure they are covered up adequately. Babies, in particular, need to be covered up. 

"With both sun-creams and sun protection clothing designed for babies and children there is no need for children to be over-exposed to the sun.”

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Dr de Caestecker is also stressing the importance of food safety as we dust down the BBQ.

She said: “It’s really important to take care when cooking on a barbeque too. While burgers and steaks can afford to be pink, extra care needs to be taken with chicken, ensuring it is cooked and piping hot all the way through.

“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.”

The warmest late May bank holiday weekend on record is officially 32.8C (91F), 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.

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