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Is Northern Ireland set for a heatwave?

Barra BestBBC News NI Weather presenter
Getty Images A hand holding a brown thermometer in front of waves, clouds and blue skies.Getty Images
An amber weather warning for extreme heat has been extended by the Met Office, in other areas of the UK

After a warm and sunny weekend in many parts of Northern Ireland, is that weather set to continue?

The spell of warmer and humid weather is to continue this week as temperatures climb into the mid-20s by Tuesday, with humidity levels making it feel warmer.

But, while it is expected to be notably warm, it might not quite meet official heatwave status in Northern Ireland, where temperatures must reach at least 25C on three consecutive days.

Current forecasts suggest some places may reach that threshold, but cloud and weak weather fronts mean there remains uncertainty over whether the criteria will be met.

Meanwhile an amber weather warning for extreme heat has been extended by the Met Office in other areas of the UK, with forecasts suggesting temperatures could reach 38C in parts of England later this week.

In the Republic of Ireland, some locations could potentially touch 30C or more late in the week, again with humidity making it feel much warmer.

BBC Weather Watcher John Vehicles parked in front of a large house, on the lawn at Montalto estate in County Down.BBC Weather Watcher John
BBC Weather Watcher John from Carmavy captured a variety of vehicles under blue skies at Montalto estate in Ballynahinch, County Down

For a heatwave to be declared in the Republic of Ireland, temperatures must reach at least 25C for five consecutive days.

The highest temperatures recorded so far this year are 26.3 in Armagh in Northern Ireland on 25 May, while in the Republic, temperatures climbed to 30.9C in counties Limerick and Tipperary on the 26 May.

Met Office/Met Éireann A heat map of the Republic of Ireland and the UK. Met Office/Met Éireann

In Northern Ireland heat will build steadily as high pressure remains close to the UK and Ireland after a cloudy start on Monday, with some patchy rain or drizzle before it improves later in the day with temperatures reaching the low 20s.

Thermometers are then expected to rise to about 24-26C inland on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Humidity will hit outdoor workers

BBC Weather Watcher Rachel C A large stone wall beside fields near the Mourne Mountains in County Down. There are two walkers in the distance.BBC Weather Watcher Rachel C
These walkers made the most of the sunshine near the Mourne mountains in County Down

According to the latest forecasts, Thursday is expected to be the warmest day of the week, with temperatures climbing to between the mid to high 20s where we have the most prolonged sunshine.

While those values are below the expected heat forecast for southern Britain, the humidity is likely to be a standout feature across Ireland.

Dew points are expected to reach about 20-21C on Thursday.

This is a measure of how much moisture is in the air and is an indicator of how uncomfortable conditions will feel than temperatures alone.

Once dew points climb above 20C, the air begins to feel noticeably heavy and sticky because sweat evaporates less efficiently, making it harder for the body to cool itself – especially for those working outdoors, exercising, or carrying out strenuous activity.