Scotland's heatwave has entered yet another day as temperatures sizzle - and the scorching weather is set to last over the weekend.

The Met Office has warned the country should brace for a 'very hot' few days, with the mercury to reach 27C in the west.

Scotland has had a week of boiling hot sunshine, with the hottest day of the year recorded on Thursday, peaking in Dumfries and Galloway.

The warmest hot spot was at Threave, near Castle Douglas, with a toasty 29.3C recorded.

Met Office forecasters say most of the UK are experiencing 'tropical nights' when temperatures fail to dip below 20C, sparking sleepless nights for many.

People cool down in the water at Troon Beach

On Friday, many will wake up to haar - or sea fog - caused by warm air passing over the cold North Sea which will quickly burn away, leaving brighter weather and sunshine.

A Met Office forecaster said: "Another very warm day with some fine sunshine. A cloudier start to the day come Friday across the eastern half of Scotland.

"But it will be a warm one, in fact a muggy night as temperatures across western parts of the country dip no lower than 15/16C.

"Fine and dry with sunshine anywhere from the Western Isle down towards the south west of Scotland.

"The cloud quickly burns back to the coast as we head to the afternoon. Highest temperatures yet again will be Argyll and Bute down towards the western side of Central Belt at 27C.

"Feeling warm everywhere once you see that sunshine."

Sunbathers in Largs as temperatures soar

Get the latest headlines sent straight to your inbox with our newsletter

Did you know you can keep up to date with the latest news by signing up to our daily newsletter?

We send a morning and lunchtime newsletter covering the latest headlines every day.

We also send coronavirus updates at 5pm on weekdays, and a round up of the week's must-read stories on Sunday afternoons.

Signing up is simple, easy and free.

You can pop your email address into the sign up box above, hit Subscribe and we'll do the rest.

Alternatively, you can sign up and check out the rest of our newsletters here.

This year's July heatwave has lasted for several days in Scotland, with water running low, roads melting and sunburn warnings out in full force as the sun's UV levels remain high.

Forecasters say the weather pattern is now “blocked”, with the warm spell to continue until the weekend.

Scotland's highest ever recorded temperature was 32.9 in August 2003 in Greycrook, the Scottish Borders.