Temperatures are set to reach their peak across the north on Thursday following the hottest day of the year so far.
This week marks the earliest point in the year for temperatures above 20 degrees since 2012, when a warm spell occurred in late March.
On Wednesday, the hottest day of the year was recorded in Co Tyrone, with temperatures reaching 21 degrees in Castlederg.
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While sunny, dry weather has been felt across the north this week, temperatures have been at their highest in the west.
As high pressure slips south across the UK this week we will see a change in wind direction from an easterly to more of a westerly
This means that temperatures across some eastern and northeastern areas could be 10 degrees or more warmer on Thursday than Wednesday 🌡️📈 pic.twitter.com/qhNmJujInz
— Met Office (@metoffice) April 8, 2025
However, the Met Office says it is expected to feel “much warmer over Co Down and Co Antrim than of late” on Thursday.
Temperatures in Belfast are forecast to reach between 18 and 20 degrees but could reach as high as 22 inland – marking a new high for the year.
Pollen levels are forecast to be high across the north throughout the day.
The recent warm, dry spell has contributed to the wildfire warnings and made conditions more difficult for firefighters who have had to tackle a number of large blazes over the past few weeks.
Warm and sunny weather is expected to continue on Friday and for most of Saturday, with conditions changing in the west before colder, wetter weather arrives on Sunday.
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