Moray residents may have to take the rough with the smooth on the weather front this weekend as the region is tipped to be one of the hottest places in Europe – while parts of it are on flood alert.
Temperatures are forecast to rise as high as 17C as a burst of warm weather from the Caribbean brings spring sunshine to the area.
However, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) is urging coastal communities to remain vigilant this afternoon with flooding possible from Findhorn down to Spey Bay.
A Sepa spokesman said: “A combination of high tides and prevailing weather conditions means that low lying areas are at risk of flooding from Findhorn to Lossiemouth and from the Spey Viaduct to Spey Bay.
“Low lying parts of Findhorn in particular are at risk of flooding. Properties in Kingston and Garmouth are also at risk including the B9015 Kingston Road.
“Flooding impacts are expected around the time of high tide at 1.30pm on Saturday afternoon.”
Forres councillor and flood alleviation sub-committee chairman George Alexander advised people to be wary.
Mr Alexander said: “Because of the amount of snow on the hills, there will be a massive snow melt on both the Findhorn and the Spey.
“That’s why Sepa will be putting out the flood warning. They will be expecting a lot of snow to melt and come off the hills.
“It’s the sort of thing that catches people out, but I wouldn’t panic.
“I would be very surprised if the rivers rise enough to top their banks.”
Kingston resident Jim Stewart was similarly cautious but optimistic.
He said: “It needs a combination of all the elements to pose a focused threat.
“If that weather front is coming in from the north west and you have been forecast a sea state six, that, and gale force winds at high tide, it will cause havoc.
“But, without the accompanying high winds I would be surprised if anything happens.”