Belfast weather is set to peak at 27C or 28C on Thursday, with the warmest conditions in counties inland and cooler air near the coast. Temperatures in Northern Ireland should then ease slightly towards the weekend.
The highest readings are expected mostly in Counties Fermanagh and Tyrone, while coastal areas are forecast to stay in the 20-23C range. Those coastal temperatures remain above average for the time of year, even with the drop.
Counties Fermanagh and Tyrone
People in Northern Ireland are still in a heatwave pattern, with the warm spell centred on a short period of higher temperatures. The Met Office says a heatwave needs the heat threshold to be met for at least three consecutive days at the same weather station.
That makes Thursday the most notable day in the run of warm weather. Inland parts should hold onto the highest values for longer, while the coast cools more quickly because sea air holds temperatures down.
Portrush Strand and Belfast Lough
Scene-setting images showed beachgoers soaking up the sun at Portrush Strand, Carrickfergus Castle looking over a sunny Carrick Harbour, and a clear view over Belfast Lough from the grounds of Belfast Castle. Those are the places where the contrast in this forecast will be most obvious: inland heat first, then a softer edge by the coast.
Towards the weekend, inland temperatures are expected to dip into the low 20s, while the weather stays dry. For people planning time outdoors, Thursday is the day to expect the strongest warmth, especially away from the shoreline.
Republic of Ireland heat measures
Across the Republic of Ireland, a six-week hosepipe ban for six areas has come into effect, and Met Éireann has issued a new Status Yellow heat warning until Friday morning. The wider pattern shows the warm spell is affecting both sides of the border, even if the sharpest temperatures in Northern Ireland are set for Thursday.
The question for people in Northern Ireland is how long the heatwave lasts before temperatures settle back closer to normal. For now, the forecast points to one more very warm day inland, then a slight easing rather than a sudden end.
