The north and north-east’s summer could come to an abrupt end this weekend, with forecasters warning of gale force winds and heavy rain.
A severe weather warning has been issued for the whole of Scotland for Sunday, with the Met Office warning of possible disruption to travel plans.
Strong winds of up to 50mph could batter the region, particularly in coastal and hilly areas, with heavy rain also expected to fall for 12 to 24 hours from about 12.15am on Sunday.
A Met Office spokeswoman said the rainfall may lead to surface flooding and warned it “might well disrupt ferries”.
The forecast will come as a blow to organisers of the Turriff Show, who are preparing to welcome hundreds of spectators and competitors through the gates at the Haughs on Sunday and Monday.
However, they may get a reprieve on Monday, just in time for the Queen’s arrival.
Today, there may be some patchy showers, particularly in Aberdeenshire, with the possibility of thunder.
In the evening, forecasters say the showers may become heavier.
Tomorrow is expected to be a clearer day – much to the relief of the Aboyne Highland Games organisers, who are looking forward to a packed day of heavyweight, athletic, piping and dancing competitions at the village green.
This weekend’s forecast will bring the north back to reality after last week, when Kinlochewe in the Highlands recorded a temperature of 29.4C – hotter than Istanbul, Rome and even parts of Mexico.
Last Friday’s revellers could be seen reaching for their brollies to protect themselves from the sun as the north basked in the heat.