The United Kingdom has just experienced its warmest January day ever, with temperatures reaching 19.6 degrees Celsius in parts of Scotland, specifically in Kinlochewe village in Wester Ross, according to the Met Office.
Meteorologist Becky Mitchell explained that the unusual warmth is due to southern winds carrying milder air from Africa across the country, resulting in temperatures higher than the norm.
Additionally, a Saharan dust cloud is accompanying these winds, potentially leading to red dust settling on streets and cars over the next 24 hours.
The Met Office issued a yellow warning for wind in northwest Scotland, including Kinlochewe, until 5 pm on Sunday.
This warning is linked to the foehn effect, a phenomenon caused by the movement of air from the wet and cold side of a mountain to the warmer and drier side. This effect is most common in mountainous regions like the Scottish Highlands.
Mitchell elaborated that when distant winds encounter mountainous areas, the air can be pushed upward, losing moisture and becoming drier as it ascends.
Upon descending on the other side of the hill, the relatively dry air warms up, leading to increased temperatures.
Moreover, the foehn effect creates a contrast in weather conditions across Scotland, where the west may experience wet weather, while the lower-lying east enjoys warmth and sunshine.
However, this phenomenon can pose risks, particularly in snowy peaks, increasing the likelihood of avalanches in certain regions.
Reflecting on the historic nature of this temperature spike, it is a stark contrast to January 1972, when a foehn event in Montana, USA, caused temperatures to rise dramatically from -48 degrees Celsius to 9 degrees Celsius.