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The temperature was recorded at Kinlochewe village in Wester Ross, in the Highlands, also making it a new winter record for Scotland, according to the Met Office.
Meteorologist Becky Mitchell told Sky News southern winds have dragged milder air from Africa across the UK, which have triggered higher-than-normal temperatures.
The winds are also bringing a Saharan dust cloud to parts of the UK, which may result in red dust settling on streets and cars over the next 24 hours.
A yellow warning for wind has also been issued by the Met Office for northwest Scotland, which includes Kinlochewe, until 5pm on Sunday.
Elsewhere in the Highlands, a wildfire has been reported in Lochinver, which is further north in Scotland.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews are on the scene, with the fire stretching over a mile.
The new record temperature beats the previous January highs of 18.3C set at Inchmarlo and Aboyne in 2003 and Aber in 1958 and 1971.
Why the Scottish Highlands?
Part of the reason for the spike is what's called the foehn effect, which is the movement of air from the wet and cold side of a mountain to warmer and drier conditions on the other side.
When a distant wind hits mountainous parts of the country, the air can sometimes be pushed up to the top - with the air losing its moisture and becoming drier as it rises.
By the time it comes down on the other side of the hill, the relatively dry air warms as it descends.
The phenomenon is most common in mountainous regions, such as the Scottish Highlands.
This can create a contrast in conditions in Scotland, as the west could experience wet weather, while the lower-lying east enjoys warmth and sunshine.
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The foehn effect can also be dangerous in snowy peaks, with an increased risk of avalanches in some regions.
In January 1972, a foehn event caused the temperature in Montana, in the US, to rise from -48C to 9C - an increase of 57 degrees.