It’s 26 °C in Paisley, and that’s no anomaly. Scotland is heating up, and what once felt like a rare summer treat is now creeping into the forecast more and more. Let’s look at the science, the impact, and what comes next.

1. From Temperate to Toasty
Our recent decade, from 2010 to 2019, was about 0.7 °C hotter than the historical average. All of Scotland’s ten warmest years have happened since 1997. Climate projections suggest that by the middle of the century, Scottish summers could be 3 to 4 °C warmer than what we used to call normal. (source)

2. Weather on Overdrive
We’re seeing more heatwaves, like July 12 when the mercury hit 32.2 °C in parts of the west.(source) At the same time, weather patterns are shifting. Winters are getting wetter, and summers are bouncing between drought and sudden downpours. (source) It’s less predictable, and more extreme.

3. High Stakes for Health and Nature
Heat-related deaths in Scotland are expected to rise, with numbers potentially tripling by 2050. Wildfire risk is up, and Scotland has already seen dozens of incidents this year alone. Meanwhile, our rivers are warming too. Salmon are struggling to survive in water that’s too hot, and conservation projects are scrambling to cool things down, like planting trees along riverbanks for shade. (source)

4. Scotland’s Climate Challenge
Scotland is doing well on clean energy. We already generate more electricity from renewables than we use. The target is to reach net-zero emissions by 2045. (source) But clean energy isn’t enough on its own. We also need to adapt. That means making buildings easier to cool, managing our water better, and planting more greenery in towns and cities. It’ll take serious investment and smart decisions.

Scorching days in Paisley aren’t seasonal glitches. They’re part of a bigger shift in our climate. The good news is we still have a say in what happens next. By acting now, through policy, infrastructure, and daily choices, we can make sure Scotland is ready for whatever the weather brings.