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Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Picturesque Perthshire town named Scotland's sunniest destination
The town in Perthshire's 'Big Tree Country' is one of the most beautiful and popular spots year-round. Scotland has followed up the sunniest April on record with an incredible start to May. While many of us were expecting a return to the norm after two mini-heatwaves last month, the last few weeks have been even better. And one town has been basking in sunshine more than anywhere else in the country so far this month. New figures from the Met Office, analysed by No Deposit Awards, reveal that Pitlochry in Perthshire has taken the top spot in Scotland, clocking up over 193 hours of sunshine. While the broader list of the UK's sunniest destinations is mostly dominated by English and Welsh locations, Pitlochry edged out the Highlands town of Aviemore to become Scotland's standout sunshine spot this May, Scottish Daily Express reports. The weather throughout spring has defied expectations. Typically hit or miss at this time of year, the past three months have instead been marked by unusually dry and calm conditions after a long, dark, and dreary winter. Met Office chief meteorologist Ian Lisk explained: "t's all to do with our old friend, the jet stream. Weather typically moves across the UK from west to east. "But the north-south amplification of the jet stream has enabled areas of high pressure to hang around in the vicinity of the UK. This means that our share of the more typical unsettled weather has been deflected away from us.' Even without the sun, Pitlochry remains one of the most picturesque and popular places to visit in the country. It is the biggest town in Highland Perthshire, which links the two historic regions. Established as a Victorian spa town in the 1800s, it sits at the heart of Perthshire's 'Big Tree Country', a nickname earned thanks to the area's towering woodlands and ancient forests. Among the highlights is the nearby Hermitage, a woodland wonder complete with tumbling waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. Just outside the town lies Faskally Woods, home to a serene trail that winds through majestic trees lining the edges of Loch Dunmore. Also close by is Queen's View, one of Scotland's most iconic viewpoints, offering a sweeping panorama over Loch Tummel that's said to have been a favourite of Queen Victoria. Back in the town centre, Pitlochry boasts a bustling high street filled with independent retailers, tourist favourites and high street names. There's no shortage of cosy cafés, inviting restaurants and traditional pubs for those in need of a break after a long walk. The town is also home to a variety of restaurants and cafés, so there really is something for everyone. It is even home to what has been called "the best chocolate in the world". Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. For those with a sweet tooth, Pitlochry's star attraction might just be the home of Scotland's most awarded chocolatier, Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier. Visitors can indulge in the attraction's famous creations and try the award-winning hot chocolate, which was voted the best in Europe. The Pitlochry Dam and visitor centre is another must-see, providing stunning views across the man-made Loch Faskally, all just minutes from the heart of town.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE UK weather map reveals Britain's sunniest spots - has your town made the top 10?
The Isle of Wight is the sunniest place in the UK, according to Met Office data. The cosy town of Shanklin that looks over the English Channel nabs just over 248 hours of sunshine, nearly seven hours more than Southend-on-Sea that comes in at second place. Swanage came in at number 10, with Bournemouth not far behind with around 222 hours of sunlight a year. All the top 10 sunniest spots sit along the south coast - in areas like Sussex, Dorset and Cornwall - thanks to its low-lying coastal fronts facing the balmier continent. This area also sits in the rain shadow of the north and west's higher ground that helps limit rainfall and cloud cover. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream also contribute to the sunnier disposition in the region, as well as elevation differences and winds sweeping through the country. Ian Lisk, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, told No Deposit Rewards that this sun pattern is 'all to do with our old friend, the jet stream'. He said: 'Weather typically moves across the UK from west to east, but the north-south amplification of the jet stream has enabled areas of high pressure to hang around in the vicinity of the UK. 'This means that our share of the more typical unsettled weather has been deflected away from us.' Travelling further north is a sure-fire way to start dropping those hours of sunlight - Manchester had previously held the title of the most grey place in the UK. Glasgow was hot on the northern city's heels, with Blackburn not far behind. It was also revealed in March that there are only four countries in the world that receive less sun than the UK. Combined England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland produce about 1,530 'annual sunshine hours' - which comes to about 4.19 hours per day. Ireland, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Iceland and the Faroe Islands all catch fewer rays than the British Isles, with the Danish archipelago only getting 840 hours of sunshine a year.
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
New UK weather maps show exact date and time 27C scorcher to hit Brits
Temperatures are set to explode close to 30C next week as early maps show practically all of the country is set to enjoy warm conditions, to the joy of most people Brits are set to sizzle in huge temperatures approaching 30C in only a few days' time, with all of the United Kingdom set to enjoy the joyful conditions. The latest maps by WX Charts shows there will be scorching top temperatures of 27C in Greater London by 6pm on Wednesday, May 14, and Thursday May 15. The conditions will not just be enjoyed by those in England's capital, as it will also extend elsewhere in the UK. Oxford, Coventry, Manchester and Liverpool could have temperatures as high as 26C. Glasgow and Edinburgh looks as though they will be around 25C, while Belfast will also easily break the 20C barrier. The Met Office 's long range forecast for the period reads: 'Much of this period is looking dry across most of the UK, with clear or sunny spells for many areas, as high pressure likely dominates the weather pattern across the UK. 'However, at the start of this period, thicker cloud with some rain or showers, which could be heavy and thundery, is likely to affect at least the southwest of the UK, with a chance that more of the UK gets affected on Monday. 'The end of this period may also be more unsettled, particularly towards the south or southwest, with rain or showers possible again. Winds will mostly be light with daytime temperatures likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year, although there is a chance of some chilly nights in places.' Thanks to high pressure lingering over Europe the UK has enjoyed a relatively dry spring so far, albeit with relatively low temperatures. Ian Lisk, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, explained: 'It's all to do with our old friend, the jet stream. Weather typically moves across the UK from west to east, but the north-south amplification of the jet stream has enabled areas of high pressure to hang around in the vicinity of the UK. 'This means our share of the more typical unsettled weather has been deflected away from us. It is a bit unusual for it to have been this persistent, and with the consequences of it bringing the very, very dry spring we've had.' Today's forecast shows it will be mostly sunny, with a few rain showers. It reads: 'Staying mostly dry, with sunny intervals and a few isolated showers. 'Feeling warm in the sunny spells, but chilly at times around southern coasts with brisk winds. Chilly again overnight.' For those already looking ahead to the weekend, the forecast says: 'Remaining mostly settled with long clear or sunny spells Friday and Saturday. Turning cloudier from the southwest on Sunday with an increasing chance of showers, perhaps thundery. Rather chilly overnight.'
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
'Unusual' reason Scotland has been basking in high temps explained by Met Office
Scots may be wondering why spring has been so warm and dry so far this year, and they're not alone The weather gods have shone over Scotland the last few weeks, with the country marking its hottest day of the year so far on Wednesday, April 30. The mercury soared to a whopping 25C in parts as Scots soaked up the heat. Forecasters recorded a peak of 24.4C at Aboyne in Aberdeenshire - topping the 23.5C confirmed at Aviemore and 23.4C at Leuchars in Fife. The Aboyne figure is the highest April temperature in Scotland since 2019. Spring has brought notably dry weather across much of the UK, with most regions seeing far less rainfall than usual. And the persistence of these dry conditions has sparked curiosity about what's behind this unusual pattern. So, what is causing this dry spring? "The main driving factor has been the prevalence of high-pressure," The Met Office explained. "Large areas of high pressure, often extending from the Azores or mainland Europe, have lingered over or near the UK for extended periods since late February. High pressure typically brings settled, dry weather, and while it's not unusual to see such pressure systems in spring, their persistence this year has been more pronounced than usual." A key reason for this lies in the behaviour of the jet stream. This is a fast-flowing air current high in the atmosphere that usually guides weather systems across the Atlantic. "This spring, the jet stream has taken a more meandering path, often looping north of the UK," the national forecaster went on. "This has allowed high pressure to remain in place for longer stretches, effectively blocking the usual progression of weather fronts. Ian Lisk, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, clarified: "It's all to do with our old friend, the jet stream. "Weather typically moves across the UK from west to east, but the north-south amplification of the jet stream has enabled areas of high pressure to hang around in the vicinity of the UK. "This means that our share of the more typical unsettled weather has been deflected away from us." Intriguingly, he added: "It is a bit unusual for it to have been this persistent, and with the consequences of it bringing the very, very dry spring we've had." April 2025 has gone down as the sunniest on record for the UK since records began in 1910, with 47 per cent more sunshine than the long-term average, according to provisional Met Office data. Scotland experienced its second sunniest April ever, and parts of the country saw particularly bright conditions amid a UK average of a whopping 228.9 hours of sunshine during the Easter month. Temperatures were also notably warm. All four UK nations recorded their third warmest April, with daytime temperatures playing a major role. Meanwhile, rainfall was well below average, with the UK receiving just 56 per cent of its typical April total. What's more, with March and April both exceptionally warm and dry, spring 2025 could be one of the warmest and driest on record. However, we have not even reached the middle of May, so the full picture remains to be seen. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
UK weather: Two-day heat surge forecast as maps turn red across much of the UK
People in the UK can look forward to mercury boosting temperatures this weekend as England, Scotland and Wales will experience 20C conditions for most of the two days Brits are set to boil in booming temperatures this weekend as the mercury explodes past 20C almost everywhere across the country. Exciting weather maps show temperatures of more than 20C can be looked forward to in many areas by the end of the working week. One weather map from WXCharts for Saturday shows people in England, Scotland and Wales can expect at least 20C, making it a weekend sizzler to look forward to. Only Northern Ireland will miss out on the 20C party, but people there can at least enjoy conditions of 19C and sunny weather as the weekend goes on. The Met Office 's forecast for the weekend currently reads: 'Feeling warm in the sunny spells, but chilly at times around southern coasts with brisk winds. Chilly nights. 'Dry across the majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells for many areas as high pressure dominates the weather pattern across the UK. 'However, at the start of this period, thicker cloud is likely in the far north for a time with some patchy rain and drizzle in north and northwest Scotland. Similarly, over the first few days of this period, cloud will probably thicken in parts of the southwest with a few showers in places, with a small chance some of these could be heavy or thundery. 'Winds will mostly be light with daytime temperatures likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year, although there is a chance of some cold nights.' Thanks to high pressure lingering over Europe the UK has enjoyed a relatively dry spring so far, albeit with relatively low temperatures. Ian Lisk, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, explained: 'It's all to do with our old friend, the jet stream. Weather typically moves across the UK from west to east, but the north-south amplification of the jet stream has enabled areas of high pressure to hang around in the vicinity of the UK. 'This means our share of the more typical unsettled weather has been deflected away from us. It is a bit unusual for it to have been this persistent, and with the consequences of it bringing the very, very dry spring we've had.' It comes after the UK enjoyed an average of 228.9 hours of sunshine during April, with particularly bright conditions in the Midlands, East Anglia, and parts of Scotland. This follows a similarly sunny March, making it the sunniest March–April period on record for England. Today, people can expect many places to be fine and dry with sunny intervals. The west of the country will be warm, with temperatures a little cooler in the southeast with a strong breeze and a few showers.
