Cloudless skies and balmy conditions were the catalysts for soaring temperatures in the north of Scotland yesterday.
With many bracing themselves for autumn’s arrival, the weather delivered a shock return to summer as the mercury rocketed across the area.
Peak temperatures in Aberdeen hit 26.8C, making it the warmest place in Scotland and one of the hottest destinations in the UK.
Those fortunate enough not to be working headed out in search of some vitamin D, with thousands flooding the parks and the seaside.
The city council estimated about 5,000 people visited Duthie and Hazlehead parks, with hundreds turning out at the beach.
Elsewhere in the north and north-east, temperatures were not far behind, peaking at 25C in Aboyne and 22C in Aviemore.
Meanwhile, further north, Tain and Wick experienced 21C.
And experts have confirmed the warm weather is expected to continue until the end of the week, albeit slightly cooler than yesterday.
Last night, Alex Priestley, meteorologist at the Met Office, said the average peak temperature at this time of year was between 15-17C.
He added: “It’s not unusual to get nice, sunny weather in September but this is particularly warm.
“It has been caused by some very warm air coming in from the sub-tropics, it’s come in across the south and south-west, but the Cairngorms has broken up the cloud allowing the sunny weather to come through.
“It’s still been quite warm across the south, but because of the clouds it’s not been as hot.”
Today will start off cooler than yesterday with potential for patches of drizzle.
However, by the afternoon, it is predicted the mercury will return to more familiar territory, between 23 and 24 degrees in the north-east and Inverness and slightly colder in the north-west.
By tomorrow, the picture will become slightly unsettled with some rain and wind and temperatures dropping to between 20 and 21.
Forecasters anticipate that by the weekend, a brisk westerly wind will come into the area along with showers bringing in more familiar autumnal conditions.