Northern Ireland is set for a dramatic turnaround in weather this week, with forecasters predicting temperatures could soar to 25C by mid-week - a whopping 10 degrees above the average June high. While some may bask in the sunshine, it's worth noting that these conditions won't quite meet the Met Office's criteria for a heatwave.
The warmest days are expected on Wednesday and Thursday, with wall-to-wall sunshine and pleasant conditions making a welcome return to much of Northern Ireland after a patchy start to June. The shift towards warmer, drier weather is likely to bring relief to many who've endured scattered showers and overcast skies earlier in the week.
The Met Office draws the line at heatwave thresholds for Northern Ireland - specifically, temperatures need to meet certain criteria for at least three consecutive days. While 25C+ temperatures will be common this week, they won't quite hit these levels consistently enough to trigger a heatwave warning. That's in contrast to some parts of Great Britain where such conditions may apply.
Looking across the rest of the UK, England - particularly the south - can expect warm weather too, with temperatures potentially breaching 25C in some areas. Scotland and Wales will generally see milder conditions, though scattered hotspots may still reach the high teens or low twenties. Northern Ireland's warmth is part of a broader trend of settled, summery weather developing across the UK.
With temperatures set to rise, the Met Office advises taking sun safety precautions seriously - UV levels are expected to be high, increasing the risk of sunburn. Residents should seek shade during peak hours, use high-factor sunscreen and stay hydrated. Vulnerable individuals should take extra care in these elevated temperatures.