Unsettled weather on the way for Northern Ireland this week
Goodbye blue skies 💔
Last updated 29th Mar 2022
After a glorious week of sunshine and blue skies, you’d easily think it was summer here in Northern Ireland.
However, a spell of unsettled weather is on the way for much of the country this week, with rain showers and even a possible mix of sleet and snow in parts of northern Scotland.
It’s believed that the high pressure system that had been responsible for the dry and mild weather of last week is shifting out to the south, introducing colder Arctic air from the north.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Willington said, “Cold and unsettled weather is taking charge over much of the UK this week, as cold air is drawn in from the north and brings with it the risk of rain, sleet and snow.
“Although there’s still some uncertainty on the exact positioning of snow showers, the trend is for a mix of sleet and snow to fall as a cold front moves from the north to the south from late on Tuesday through to Thursday morning.
“Some clear spells are still around later in the week, with the best of any sunshine likely to be in the south and west of the UK, albeit feeling cold compared to last week.”
Northern Ireland’s weekly weather report:
Tonight: Any showers will die away with some clear spells and a few mist patches. Cloud will then thicken overnight with patch rain by dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C
Wednesday: Cloudy with outbreaks of rain and a little hill snow during the morning, then turning drier and brighter from the north with sunny spells and a scattering of wintry showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: A cold end to the week with bright or clear spells and occasional wintry showers. Widespread overnight frosts. Less cold on Saturday
For those 'in between the rain' moments, why not check out some of NI's most popular parks👇
Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch
Get back to nature this summer at Montalto Estate. Inside sits a privately-owned demesne steeped in history dating back to the 1600s. With a range of captivating gardens, trails and even a café on site, their all-new adventure zone is worth a visit.
Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast
Towering above looms Cave Hill, otherwise known as Napoleon's Nose. From up here you can take take in 360 degree views of Belfast. They're recently refurbished adventure park includes eco-trails, orienteering routes and picnic benches for the ultimate day out.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Newry
Children's imaginations will run wild as they explore the Giant's Lair children's story trail and adventure play park here. Their woodland trail takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through intertwined fairy village filled with mystery, dragons, giants, witches and fairies.
Pickie Fun Park, Bangor
What's not to love about Pickie Park? They've got mini-golf, giant pedal swan and a quirky children's play area. With picturesque harbour views, don't let the sometimes-miserable weather out you off. Come rain or shine, kids will have a ball here!
Mo Mowlam Play Park, Stormont
The Mo Mowlam Play Park at Stormont Estate in Belfast is an all-inclusive play park, specially designed so children of all abilities can play together and has over 40 separate pieces of equipment. With a castle themes area, multi-sensory section and wheelchair friendly swing and roundabout everyone can take part!
Carrickfergus Marine Gardens
Alongside the waterfront in Carrickfergus with the historical castle in the backdrop, sits the superb Marine Gardens play park. Complete with old-school pirate ship and monstrous climbing frames, you could easily while away an afternoon here.
Hillsborough Forest Park
With the redevelopment of Hillsborough Forest underway and the first phase complete, visitors can now enjoy upgraded pathways throughout, stunning lakeside viewpoints with seating, additional picnic benches, extra car-parking facilities, and a state-of-the-art woodland-themed outdoor children's play area.
Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh
One of Co. Down's hidden gems, Delamont has everything you need! A first class play park complete with zip-line and mega slide, hidden woodland trails, coastal paths and even a STEAM TRAIN! There's even a handy caravan park on the grounds so you can make a full weekend out of it
Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne
You'll also find everything from a walled garden with unique sundials to a children's activity centre with outdoor adventure playground. You gotta check out their manicured maze in the shape of Northern Ireland, it's awesome!
Gosford Forest Park
Gosford Forest Park's visitor facilities was recently transformed with better walking, cycling and horse riding trails. You can find a fun children's play area beside the visitor car park and is open each day when the main forest park is open, with a sand area and wooden huts enclosed within a willow hedge.
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