Britons bask in record warm weather

Mar 26 2012

Scotland basked in the warmest ever March 26 as temperatures reached a new record.

The mercury rose to 22.9C (73.2F) in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire.

This set a new "date record" for the UK, making it the warmest March 26 since records began.

Other places in Aberdeenshire also enjoyed unseasonably warm temperatures, with Aviemore registering 22.3C (72.1F) and Braemar 22C (71.6F).

They were warmer than more southerly parts of Europe such as Barcelona, Nice, Majorca and Faro.

The temperature at Aboyne beat a new Scottish record set on Sunday when the mercury reached 22.8C (73F) at Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire.

Sally Webb, meteorologist at MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "These temperatures should continue through Tuesday and Wednesday with a drop starting in the north, including Scotland, on Thursday."

Fire services across Scotland dealt with numerous grass fires as the country basked in warm, dry weather.

Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue warned people to be particularly vigilant while outdoors to protect themselves against fire.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Billy Wilson added: "We would ask members of the public to ensure that no unnecessary burning of garden waste or rubbish is carried out in periods of very dry weather, such as we are experiencing at present, particularly when windy. If in doubt, please 'Don't start a fire'."