After basking in heatwave conditions since Wednesday, a top temperature of 30C has been recorded in Magiligan, Co Londonderry, on Saturday.
It marks the first time the milestone has been reached in NI since July 18 2022.
Scotland recorded its highest temperature since 2023, as the mercury reached 32C at Aviemore, only the seventh time the temperature has been recorded since 1961.
“We are encouraging everyone to stay vigilant to the risk of fire in the countryside” – NIFRS
Highs of 34C have also been recorded in England, though the country’s current record of 35.8C is unlikely to be broken.
Amber heat warnings remain in place for the Midlands as well as parts of southern and eastern England until 9am on Monday morning.
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: “Yesterday was Wales’ highest temperature of the year so far, so it’d be a similar value, so we’ll keep an eye on that today.
“And then Northern Ireland and Scotland, I think the highest of the year is just shy of 30C so for both of them, it could be slightly higher than those values.
“So quite, quite possible to see the highest temperatures of the year so far for parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland and Wales too, but England unlikely.”
Twelfth of July celebrations in Augher on Saturday. Pic: Luke Jervis
On Saturday, those taking part in the annual Twelfth of July celebrations battled with the heat as parades took place at 19 different locations across NI to mark the 335th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.
GB News presented coverage of the parades from Coleraine, with Dame Arlene Foster and former Coronation Street actor Charlie Lawson leading the programme.
It comes after the NI Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) issued a warning over potential gorse fires, having attended several incidents in the last few days.
“Firefighters attended a range of emergency calls, including a number of wildfires with five fire appliances at the Bloody Bridge area of Newcastle, a three-vehicle road traffic collision in Rathfriland with ten casualties, and a shed fire in Castlederg,” said Area Commander Andy Burns.
“With high temperatures and dry weather this bank holiday weekend, a further period of heightened operational activity is expected over the coming days.
People Queue for Ice-cream during warm weather at Helen’s Bay beach, Saturday, July 12, 2025. (Photo by Peter Morrison)
Watch: Twelfth celebrations take place across Northern Ireland
“We are prepared and ready to respond and are encouraging everyone to stay vigilant to the risk of fire in the countryside and to follow our advice to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”
A packed Helen’s Bay beach as people make the most of the warm weather at Helen’s Bay beach, Saturday, July 12, 2025. (Photo by Peter Morrison)
NI has so far avoided the hosepipe bans that have been enforced in parts of England.
Yorkshire Water brought in restrictions on using hosepipes for activities such as watering the garden, cleaning cars and filling paddling pools, while South East Water also implemented hosepipe restrictions.
NI Water did issue advice on Friday for businesses closing over the bank holiday weekend; the guidelines were aimed at reducing water waste during a time of increased demand.