Wet and windy weather on the way this week
Brolly's up! ☔️
Last updated 10th Oct 2022
After a dry start to the week for many, it looks like wet and windy conditions are on the way later this week.
Wednesday signals the start of a shift in weather, as Meteorologist and Met Office Presenter Aidan McGivern explains.
“There will be outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, for western Scotland and Northern Ireland pushing into northern and western England as well as Wales.
“The rain tends to fizzle into showers further south and it’ll stay largely dry in the southeast through Wednesday with some sunny spells.”
Friday is expected to be windy, with the highest gusts most likely in exposed coastal areas in the north.
Aidan adds: “It’ll be a blustery day for all on Friday and even though there’s some uncertainties about the position of the low pressure, what’s most likely is low-pressure to the north, a brisk westerly airflow and a number of showers.”
Northern Ireland’s weekly forecast:
Tuesday: It will be a mainly dry day with some sunshine. Thicker cloud in the west may bring a little rain later in the day. Strengthening southwest winds. Maximum temperature 14 °C.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: Rain clearing on Wednesday morning then dry and bright. Wet, windy weather arriving on Thursday afternoon, then westerly gales and blustery showers on Friday.
Autumn is a great season to get outdoors and make the most of the daylight before the longer evenings creep in.
From glistening lakes to enchanting woodlands, throughout the autumn season, the countryside is alive with a palette of colours.
Check out some of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful spots to witness the turning of the leaves.
Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle
A walk in the gorgeous Tollymore is full of adventures and novelties – forestry, bridges, grottos, caves and three sets of stepping stones over the Shimna River. Which is probably why HBO filmed Game of Thrones here. Crossing this waterway always makes for a great photo opportunity.
Glenariff Forest Park, Cushendall
Glenariff, the "Queen of the Glens", hosts the spectacular Glenariff Forest Park. The Waterfall Walkway opened over 80 years ago. The walk passes through three waterfalls and forest trails that offer picturesque panoramic views. There's also a visitor centre, exhibition, interactive display, shop, caravan site and a seasonal restaurant on site.
Mount Stewart, Newtownards
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Mount Stewart - it's not just the foliage changing, it's the wildlife too. Look out for the red squirrels preparing for winter.
Castle Espie, Comber
Autumn is a magical time of the year to visit Castle Espie Wetland Centre. October sees the return of other migratory bird species, including Whooper swans, which are often seen swooping overhead after completing their own remarkable journey from the Arctic.
Ward Park, Bangor
Near the seaside town of Bangor, Ward Park covers a spectacular area of 37 acres of woodland. It also has a chain of small lakes providing wildfowl sanctuary with many interesting specimens and dry pens containing a large variety of exotic birds.
Stormont Estate, Belfast
Only five miles out of the city, one of the most popular spots to admire and take in the autumnal colours. Explore Parliament Buildings and the beautiful surroundings of the estate. Take a stroll along the winding forest paths mapped out for walkers and joggers.
Crom Demesne, Enniskillen
Take a walk through an incredible landscape of orange and gold. Jump in crunchy leaves, discover shiny conkers and enjoy uplifting fresh air with all the family and keep and eye out for the array of both resident and visiting wildlife.
Castle Ward, Strangford
Castle Ward is particularly spectacular in autumn when the colours change and the summer months starts to settle down. There is plenty to discover, starting with the changing colours of the deciduous trees as the lose their leaves for the winter. The first to turn is the Ivy in the courtyard, finishing off summer with a blaze of pinks and reds. From the farmyard, head out to Temple Water where the Japanese maples will be in full colour.
Hillsborough Forest Park, Lisburn
Set in a picturesque Georgian village with its own castle, you can't beat an afternoon exploring Hillsborough. The forest park is a popular choice among dog walkers, photographers and nature-lovers, the forest covers an area of almost 200 acres and has way-marked routes providing a variety of different walks to suit everyone.
The Argory, Dungannon
Come an investigate the many species of funghi popping their heads up all over the estate and check out the changing aspect of the trees as they start to lose their leaves once again. Bond's Bridge is a must visit.
Botanic Gardens, Belfast
Autumn is one of the best times to take a long walk in Botanic Gardens with a number of family-friendly walking trails. The park is popular with residents, students and visitors and is home to the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine.
Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan
For something a bit different, why don't you cycle through the rustic woodland trails at Castlewellan Forest Park. With green, blue and red grade trails (including black options) Castlewellan is a must-visit for mountain bikers of all ages and abilities.
Gosford Forest Park, Markethill
Northern Ireland's first conservation forest is filled with over 240 hectares of woodland and open parkland for you to enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the park for heritage poultry, a deer park and rare breeds of cattle and sheep on site.
Read more:
Tumble Circus Big Top arrives in Belfast’s Writer’s Square
Belfast pub's 'pooch social' returns this Halloween for dogs
15 things to do this Halloween across Northern Ireland