Scotland is set to be battered by thunderstorms on Tuesday night - after basking in temperatures of up to 26C earlier in the day.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning across the majority of the country, with storms expected to strike overnight from 6pm until 9am on Wednesday.

Experts have warned that the thunderstorms could lead to power cuts and loss of other services to homes and businesses.

There is also a small chance of damage to buildings from lightning strikes, hail and strong winds.

Those heading out during the storms have been urged to take care as the adverse weather could affect driving conditions and transport services.

Temperatures will climb throughout the week, potentially reaching record-breaking levels by Thursday.

The current July record is 36.7C - set at Heathrow in 2015. The all-time UK temperature record is 38.5C - recorded in Faversham in August 2003.

STV Weather presenter Sean Batty said: "Most people will be struggling at the moment with the heat and high humidity, which has been drifting north from the Sahara.

"Temperatures on Tuesday hit 26C in Fife and Moray, but could be a few degrees higher on Thursday, with highs around 27-29C across central Scotland and Moray.

"On Monday night the temperatures stayed so high, that it turned out to be the warmest July night on record for Aviemore and Drumnadrochit.

"The previous record had stood since 1995."

Sean added: "Tuesday night will be another extremely warm one, and I expect a lot of areas will have their warmest July night on record.

"Temperatures in central Scotland, around Glasgow and Edinburgh, look like staying in the 18-20C range throughout the night.

"The Glasgow record is 19C, set in 1976, and the Edinburgh record is 18.3C, set in 1948.

"There's also a chance that it could end up being Scotland's warmest night ever on record if it stays above 20.5C somewhere.

"On Tuesday temperatures peaked over 40C in parts of France, which has sparked off a few thunderstorms.

"These storms will drift north across England and Wales, and later move into Scotland.

"I'm expecting them to arrive in the south west around midnight and then travel across the Borders, Lanarkshire, Edinburgh, Lothians, Stirlingshire, Perthshire, Fife, Dundee, Angus, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

"These will bring the risk of hail, gusty winds and flooding, and could wake some people up as they move north during the early hours.

"This should all clear the mainland during Wednesday morning - with most areas returning to very warm sunny spells, although showers will affect the north west.

"The temperatures will come down during the weekend, but will still be around the high teens to low 20s for most areas."

Dogs Trust is advising owners not to leave pets alone in a hot car seat even for a few minutes as it can prove fatal.

The advice comes following predictions that temperatures will soar to 37C in the south east of England.

Dogs Trust claim that on a 22C day, the temperature inside a car could rise by 11C in just ten minutes and because dogs cannot cool down the same way as humans, the heat can quickly become dangerous for them.

Earlier this week an American bulldog was left fighting for his life after his body temperature soared to a life-threatening 42.2C during recent hot weather.

One-year-old Finlay - who was born with three legs - became overheated when his owner took him to a park in Glasgow.

The charity has advised not walking dogs at the hottest times of the day.

Instead, it said early morning or late evening walks are best accompanied with water.

It has also said tarmac can get "very hot in the sun" and advises owners "to check it with their hand before letting dogs walk on it so they don't burn their paws".

Paula Boyden, Dogs Trust veterinary director, said: "There are so many things we can do to make sure our dogs stay happy and healthy in hot weather, but it is crucial we keep a close eye on them, even if we are playing indoors.

"If we all do this, then hopefully we and our dogs will be able to enjoy a long hot summer."

The RNLI has launched a drowning prevention campaign to highlight the risks of cold water shock.

If you intend to make a splash during the summer months, remember these five simple steps to float if you get into trouble in the water.

Age Scotland is urging people to check on older neighbours, family and friends who may be more at risk of health problems during this week's heatwave.

While many people are enjoying the balmy weather, the charity is warning that older people and those with health conditions should be especially careful.

Hot weather can exacerbate existing health issues, such as heart and lung conditions, while people with reduced mobility might find it more challenging to keep cool.

People living with dementia might not remember to drink enough liquids to stay hydrated or wear appropriate clothing for the weather.

Michelle Supple, director of charity Services, said: "While many of us are having fun in the sun, it's important to remember that warm weather can present health risks, especially for older people.

"We would encourage everyone to check on older neighbours, friends and family to make sure they are doing well and see if they need anything.

"Something as simple as helping open a window or popping to the shops to pick up some sunscreen can make a huge difference to someone's comfort and well-being."