A hot spell is on the way for Northern Ireland next week
Summer isn't over yet! ☀️
Temperatures are forecast to rise over the weekend and into the early part of next week.
According to the Met Office, while unsettled weather is expected this weekend, drier conditions are just around the corner. And just in time for CHSq 2022!
Pack your factor 50 and head to the beach when you can, it looks like we'll get one final burst of summer before the school's go back.
Rebekah Sherwin, Deputy Chief Meteorologist with the Met Office said: "The weather pattern bringing next week’s hot spell is different to the one responsible for last month’s record-breaking temperatures which saw already hot air being drawn up from southern Europe adding to our own home-grown heat.
"This time, that is much less likely; instead, temperatures will build steadily within the lingering area of high pressure.
"There is some uncertainty about next week’s temperatures, although in early August sunshine in the UK doesn’t have the heating potential of mid-July as the sun is lower in the sky and the hours of daylight are marginally shorter.
"Both of these factors suggest that we’re very unlikely to see temperatures peak much above low to mid 30s. However, this would still be a hot spell of weather."
Check out Northern Ireland's five day forecast:
Friday: Tomorrow will see further scattered showers moving in from the west. There will be some drier intervals with sunny spells between the showers. Any showers will ease by the evening.
Saturday: Saturday will be cloudy, with the odd spot of light rain possible, but largely dry for most.
Sunday: Sunday is expected to be an overcast day but it should stay mostly dry. The cloud may break up to leave some sunny spells in the evening.
Monday: Monday will start dry and sunny before becoming cloudier later with the chance of a few spots of rain moving in from the west.
Check out some of NI's most picturesque beaches 👇
Whiterocks Beach, Portrush
Just one hour and 30 minutes from Belfast, you won't have to travel too far for some much needed R&R. Popular with surfers, bodyboarders and dog-walkers alike, this stretch of coastline is ideal for sunrise/sunset moments. It was awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award again in 2020.
Murlough Beach, Newcastle
The boardwalk alone that leads from the car park to the shore is stunning. You're greeted with five miles of golden sands as you arrive. Your backdrop for a snap here has to include the iconic Mourne Mountains.
Downhill Strand, Castlerock
Mussenden Temple sits perched overlooking Downhill's enchanting beach. On a bright summer's day take in views of the Donegal Coast and beyond. If you are visiting, look out for the train as it roars past the beach on its to Derry/Londonderry.
Portstewart Strand, North Coast
Owned and cared for by the National Trust, Portstewart's Strand is one of Northern Ireland's finest. Cars can drive onto the sand, making this a perfect choice for families picnicking and swimming in the shallow shores.
Seapark, Holywood
This is a popular seaside visit for Belfast locals, tucked alongside the harbour, your sunset pic here could go viral with views like this. Holywood's main parkland and recreational area has a variety of activities including tennis courts, putting green and children's playground.
Warrenpoint, Newry
The views over the mouth of Carlingford Lough and the scenic Mourne Mountains make this spot such a picture-perfect location. The water here is popular with locals for jet skiing, kayaking and banana boating.
Tyrella Beach, Downpatrick
This wide and flat stretch of sand is nestled close to Dundrum Bay and is popular with locals throughout the summer. The Mourne Mountains lurk in the distance behind the wispy dunes here too.
Minerstown Beach, Ardglass
One of Northern Ireland's hidden gems, Minerstown is the perfect destination for sea swimming. The water is both shallow and calm - plus look at that sunset pic!
Ballycastle Beach, Causeway Coast
This 1.2km beach is made up mostly of sand and pebbles. A wooden bridge leads from the eastern end of the beach to a well-known rock formation, "Pans Rock".
Magiligan Point, Limavady
With seven-miles of sand this beach walk offers visitors the chance to roam, spot birdlife and potentially seals.
White Park Bay, Ballintoy
A short trek down the cliff towards the sea and you'll be blown away, sometimes literally by the beauty of White Park Bay. You will can see why Game of Thrones used this spot as a location for the HBO show - you can't build caves and arches quite like this!
Ballywalter Beach, Newtownards
Ballywalter beach sits in a rural setting along the Ards Peninsula, backed mostly by fields, making it ideal for walkers looking for some peace and quiet.
East Strand, Portrush
At the heart of the coastal town of Portrush, East Strand Beach is popular for surfing and water sports all year round. With views of The Skerries and the Causeway headlands, this is one of the best walking routes Northern Ireland has on offer!
Read more:
Breathtaking Beyond the Trees experience opens for the summer
13 beauty spots in Northern Ireland you MUST visit this summer
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