IT’S OFFICIAL Thursday was the hottest day in Dundee since records began almost 60 years ago.
According to Dr Roy Neilson from the James Hutton Institute at Invergowrie, a temperature of 28.9C (84F) was recorded at 3pm. That beat the previous maximum of 28.7C dating from August 21, 1995.
It is the highest reading since the institute started keeping records in 1954.
The sweltering temperatures have led to warnings of wildfires as the country continues to enjoy in its longest heatwave for seven years.
Researchers have estimated that the hot weather may have caused up to 760 premature deaths after six consecutive days of plus-30C temperatures. And with rainfall at only around 15% of average monthly totals so far, the Met Office has warned that there is an “elevated risk” of fires in the countryside.
A spokesman said: “I can confirm that the advice given to our governmental partners is that there is an elevated risk of fires in the next couple of days.”
Karl Kitchen, the Met Office scientist with responsibility for wildfires, said soon-to-be harvested crops such as wheat and winter barley are looking particularly vulnerable to fire.
Health officials have advised people to stay cool, drink lots of cold fluids and keep an eye on those they know to be at risk.
Dr Angie Bone said: “In this continued hot weather, it’s important to remember that high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.
“During very hot weather, pregnant women and people who have chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal conditions, diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, may experience discomfort if indoor temperatures are particularly hot and in using public transport.”
Gemma Plumb, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said there was no sign of temperatures dropping significantly in the coming days.
Although today and the weekend are forecast to be slightly cooler than Thursday’s highs, temperatures are expected to rise again into the start of next week.