SCOTLAND'S stop-start spring is about to finally leap into top gear with Glasgow predicted to be among the hottest spots in Britain today.

Forecasters say there is a chance the thermometer could reach a balmy 23ºC (74ºF) as a warm front moves in on the west coast from the north.

However, the sudden appearance of warmer weather is also likely to produce flash thunderstorms, with sudden downpours expected to the east as the afternoon goes on.

The hot weather is unlikely to last, with lower temperatures and showers returning later in the week.

A Met Office forecaster said: "We're going to see some pretty nice temperatures in the west, most likely around 21ºC with the chance of climbing to 23ºC, depending on cloud cover.

"It will feel warm across the west coast and Glasgow will certainly be among the hotter parts of the country. With the warm weather coming in we'll also see a greater chance of thunderstorms developing, especially towards Edinburgh and the Lothians."