Scotland's 27°C Diurnal Swing: From -7°C to 20°C in Nine Hours

Key facts

• Tomintoul, Moray, rose from -7°C to 20°C in about nine hours on Thursday – a 27°C increase.
• Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands reached 21.4°C, the highest temperature in Scotland on Thursday, after an overnight low of -2.1°C.
• Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, saw a 24.1°C swing from -4.7°C to 19.4°C.
• Glasgow is forecast to reach 21°C on Thursday, April 30, surpassing Barcelona's expected 20°C.
• The Met Office forecasts a dry, very warm, and sunny day for Glasgow, with any overnight fog burning off by morning.
• The warm spell is due to high pressure over Scotland, bringing light winds and prolonged sunny spells.
• BBC Weather presenter Christopher Blanchett noted that the 27°C diurnal range in Tomintoul is higher than a typical spring diurnal range.

A Record Spring Swing in Tomintoul

On Thursday, the village of Tomintoul in Moray experienced one of the most dramatic temperature swings ever recorded in a Scottish spring. The mercury plunged to -7°C at dawn, only to soar to 20°C by mid-afternoon — a 27°C rise in roughly nine hours. BBC Weather presenter Christopher Blanchett described the figures as “impressive,” noting that the diurnal range far exceeds what is typical for the season. “We often see large temperature swings in spring but the numbers from Tomintoul are impressive,” he said.

High Pressure Drives Warmth and Frost

The extreme range is a product of the same meteorological setup: a persistent area of high pressure sitting over Scotland. By day, clear skies and light winds allow spring sunshine to heat the ground and air rapidly, pushing temperatures well above average. But at night, the absence of cloud cover lets heat escape quickly into space, causing sharp drops after sunset. Spring nights remain relatively long, and with cool surface temperatures, Scots can find themselves scraping ice off car windscreens in the morning and wearing shorts by the afternoon.

Aviemore and Aboyne Also See Wide Ranges

Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands recorded the highest temperature in Scotland on Thursday at 21.4°C, climbing from an overnight low of -2.1°C. Aboyne in Aberdeenshire experienced a 24.1°C swing, from -4.7°C to 19.4°C. These figures underscore the dramatic contrasts that high-pressure systems can produce in spring. The diurnal temperature range — the difference between the day's highest and lowest readings — is typically smaller in spring. Blanchett said the 27°C range in Tomintoul was higher than a typical spring diurnal range.

Glasgow Set for Warmest Day of the Year

The Met Office has forecast one of the warmest days of the year for Glasgow on Thursday, April 30, with temperatures expected to reach 21°C. The city will enjoy a dry and bright day from morning to evening, surpassing Barcelona's expected 20°C under cloudy skies. A Met Office spokesperson said: “Any overnight fog and low cloud burning off through the morning to leave a dry, very warm and sunny day. Maximum temperature 21°C.” The warm weather is due to high pressure over the region, bringing light winds and prolonged sunny spells, particularly to the west of Scotland.

A Relief After a Rainy Start to April

The warm spell comes as a relief after a rainy and grey start to April. Glasgow was also greeted by a hot spell last week, in which temperatures exceeded those of Antalya in Turkey. The current high-pressure system has scared off the usual April showers, delivering above-average temperatures and spring sunshine. But the clear skies that bring the warmth also cause significant overnight cooling. The Met Office has warned that any overnight fog and low cloud will burn off through the morning, leaving a dry and very warm day.

What Causes Such Extreme Temperature Swings?

The large temperature extremes from day to night are driven by clear skies and light winds, combined with strong spring sunshine that pushes daytime temperatures up. At night, the lack of cloud cover means heat can escape quickly once the sun sets. The coldest time is usually just before sunrise, as the ground has lost heat throughout the night. These conditions are typical of high-pressure systems in spring, but the magnitude of the swing in Tomintoul is exceptional. As Blanchett noted, the 27°C diurnal range is higher than what is normally expected, making it a standout event even for a season known for its variability.

The bottom line

• Tomintoul recorded a 27°C diurnal temperature range, from -7°C to 20°C, in about nine hours on Thursday.
• Aviemore reached 21.4°C, the highest temperature in Scotland on Thursday, after an overnight low of -2.1°C.
• Glasgow is forecast to reach 21°C on April 30, surpassing Barcelona's expected 20°C.
• The extreme swings are caused by clear skies and light winds under high pressure, allowing rapid daytime heating and nighttime cooling.
• The Met Office describes the Glasgow forecast as 'dry, very warm and sunny' with any overnight fog burning off by morning.
• Such large diurnal ranges are unusual for spring, with the Tomintoul swing exceeding typical seasonal norms.