THE SCOTTISH Government has warned Scots to prepare for next week's heatwave, which could see parts of the country sweltering in temperatures of around 30C. 

Ministers have held an emergency meeting of the Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR), to discuss the potential impacts of the near-record warm spell. 

Justice Secretary Keith Brown urged people to stay hydrated, avoid excess alcohol and "look out for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours."

The Met Office amber warning for extreme heat covers southern parts of Scotland including eastern parts of Dumfries and Galloway, much of the Scottish Borders and parts of East Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire and Midlothian.

While these will be the hottest parts of the country, there will likely be high temperatures across much of Scotland, including up the east coast to the Moray Firth. 

The Met Office said the hot spell could lead to “widespread impacts on people” including “adverse health effects” being experienced “by those vulnerable to extreme heat.” 

The wider population is “likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses.”

They have also warned that as more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers in a bid to cool down this could lead to “an increased risk of water safety incidents.”

Meanwhile, train firms have warned passengers to avoid travelling on Monday and Tuesday unless their journey is “absolutely necessary”.

All operators have warned passengers to expect last-minute cancellations and delays from Sunday.

Network Rail has already imposed speed restrictions on lines because of heatwave.

Avanti West Coast has warned passengers who wish to use services between London Euston and Scotland to plan ahead due to the impact of the heat on rail lines.

Mr Brown, lead Minister for resilience, said: “We are aware of the weather warnings currently in place and are receiving regular updates from partners including the Met Office and emergency services.

"Our resilience arrangements have been activated and stand ready at all times to coordinate a response to severe weather issues where required. We will continue to closely monitor developments.  

“When temperatures increase, it’s important to monitor forecasts and follow public health advice, including staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding excess alcohol.

“I would also urge people to look out for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, as older people, those with underlying conditions and those living alone may struggle to keep cool and hydrated.

“Water safety incidents and drownings increase in hot weather and people should be aware of the dangers and use supervised beaches and pools when possible – follow the Water Safety Code and in an emergency call 999.”

Labour's Jackie Baillie, whose Dunbartonshire constituency takes in much of Loch Lomond,  said she was worried the temperatures could push the NHS "over the edge."

She added: “Emergency services are under pressure with A&E waits already the worst on record and ambulances routinely overwhelmed.

“The SNP failed to prepare for the cold winter months and lives were lost as a result – we cannot repeat those mistakes in summer.

“The Health Secretary must urgently set out a plan to make sure services can cope and keep people safe as temperatures rise.”

The Scottish heatwave is still relatively cool compared to the forecast south of the border, where a national emergency has been declared with the Met Office issuing their first red extreme heat warning.

Temperatures in areas including London Manchester and York could hit 40C at the start of next week. 

The red warning means there is a risk to life. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued its highest level four heat alert to health and care bodies.

They have warned illness and death could occur "among the fit and healthy".

Downing Street said the alert was being treated as a national emergency.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen, said “Exceptional, perhaps record-breaking temperatures are likely early next week, quite widely across the red warning area on Monday, and focussed a little more east and north on Tuesday. 

“Currently, there is a 50 per cent chance we could see temperatures top 40C and 80% we will see a new maximum temperature reached.

“Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm, especially in urban areas. This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure. 

“Therefore, it is important people plan for the heat and consider changing their routines. This level of heat can have adverse health effects.”