Temperatures to climb this weekend as heatwave hits the UK
Temperatures across the UK are expected to rise today, with high pressure bringing continued settled conditions over Northern Ireland.
Friday will be another warm day, with highs of 32°C possible in central England - while temperatures here could hit 25°C.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Dan Holley, said: “The more uncomfortable heat will be in northern and western areas initially, where despite somewhat lower temperatures the air will be more humid.
“While Saturday will be a dry and fine day for many, a few showers or thunderstorms will be possible across northern and western parts of the UK, with an increasing risk of some intense thunderstorms developing across portions of north Wales, northern England and southern Scotland later in the afternoon and into the evening hours, which could bring heavy downpours, frequent lightning, gusty winds and possibly large hail.
“The nights will also be quite warm, with the possibility of temperatures not falling below 20°C in some areas, making it hard to sleep. This is what we term a ‘tropical night’.
“Temperatures will ease from the west on Sunday as fresher air arrives from the Atlantic, although parts of East Anglia and the far southeast of England could still see 28-29°C for a time.”
Let's take a closer look at Northern Ireland's weekend forecast.
Today: A mainly dry day with long bright or sunny spells and becoming very warm or hot. Fresher along the east coast with an onshore breeze. The odd thunderstorm possible this afternoon in the south. Maximum temperature 28 °C.
Tonight: A dry evening with some sunshine. The rest of the night will remain dry with clear spells ahead of more cloud pushing in from the west by dawn. Very mild. Minimum temperature 15 °C.
Saturday: Feeling fresher than Friday but still rather warm. Cloud will tend to bubble up through the day and bring the risk of a few thunderstorms later. Maximum temperature 23 °C.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday: Outbreaks of rain on Sunday, clearing to the east later. Rather cloudy and breezy on Monday with scattered showers. Cloudy with patchy rain and drizzle on Tuesday.
Check out some of the popular spots across NI that locals love to visit when the sun shines 👇
Belfast City Hall
The grounds of this iconic building are scattered with office workers during lunch hour, taking a break to enjoy the sunshine. If you want a bench you will need to get down early but a blanket on the lawn in the heart of the city is just as enjoyable.
Botanic Gardens, Belfast
This public park set in the grounds of the Ulster museum is an urban oasis. Home to the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine, containing tropical plants and birds of paradise, Botanic Gardens is the ideal spot for a sandwich at lunch hour. Take a walk around the grounds or just relax on the lawn with friends.
Crawfordsburn Country Park
Set on the coast between Bangor and Holywood, this park offers numerous beaches as well as walking trails through meadows and wooded glens culminating in a stunning waterfall.
Tyrella Beach
Tyrella is a blue flag, award winning, two-kilometre-long beach and dune conservation area within Dundrum Bay in County Down. Open all year round with a lifeguard on duty and car park charges during the summer season.
Florence Court, Enniskillen
This 18th Century mansion has gardens with miles of walking and cycle trails on offer. There is also a forest and thatched summer house to take in.
Rowallane Gardens, Saintfield
Rowallane is a 19 Century garden popular with dog walkers and ramblers and is the perfect place for a picnic.
East Strand in Portrush
At the heart of the coastal resort of Portrush you'll find East Strand. Locals and tourists flock to the popular seaside town as soon as the sun pops out. With handy facilities, and top notch cafés/restaurants nearby it's definitely worth visiting if you haven't already.
Browns Bay Beach, Islandmagee
Browns Bay Beach is a popular sandy beach at the northern tip of Islandmagee, nestling between Skenaghan Point and Barrs Point. You'll feel like you've washed up on a forgotten island at this rural and remote setting. It's the perfect location for picnics and wild swimming.
White Park Bay
Even on a scorching day, this secluded location has plenty of room for quiet a picnic and stroll. The water here is unsafe for swimming due to dangerous rip currents so if you've got little ones, keep your eyes peels at all times.
Stormont Estate
Stormont Estate is a Green Flag Award winning public park, recognised as one of Northern Ireland's best green spaces. With an inclusive children's play park, vast acres of woodland/gardens to explore and its central location, this is a great spot to spend the afternoon with friends and family.
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