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Heatwave conditions in NI for second time this summer

Barra BestBBC News NI senior weather presenter
BBC Weather Watcher Mick A chestnut brown boxer type dog wearing sunglasses lying on grass beside a tarmacked road. The dog is panting.BBC Weather Watcher Mick
This dog ensured it had appropriate eye protection on a sunny day in Minerstown, County Down

Heatwave conditions have been met in Northern Ireland for the second time this summer after temperatures climbed above 25C for three days in a row in County Tyrone.

That heat threshold must be met for at least three consecutive days at the same weather station, according the Met Office.

Castlederg recorded 25.7C at lunchtime on Tuesday afternoon after reaching 25.1C on Monday and 26.4C on Sunday, with similar temperatures, possibly higher, expected in the coming days.

The previous heatwave, in June, was also recorded at the Castlederg weather station.

The same station holds Northern Ireland's highest temperature record of 31.3C, recorded in July 2021.

BBC Weather Watcher AlicelouiseP A wide landscape picture of a beach crowed with people. The sea and the sky are blue and there are only a few whispy clouds.BBC Weather Watcher AlicelouiseP
The beach at Portballintrae, County Antrim, was busy with sunseekers

Hot conditions, especially inland, are set to continue before cooling by a few degrees towards the weekend, although temperatures are forecast to remain above average for most.

Coastal areas will remain several degrees cooler at times, especially with a sea breeze.

In the Republic of Ireland a heat warning has been issued across most of the country with 20 counties affected until Friday morning, with a further heat advisory in place across every county until Saturday.

BBC Weather Watcher, DannyMcGuigan About 11 geese walking along a grass verge in a park with a tarmacked path in the foreground. A lake can be seen behind and further into the background there is a blue sky and green trees.BBC Weather Watcher, DannyMcGuigan
A gaggle geese soaked up the sun in Belfast

A heatwave has been in place in the Republic of Ireland since 9 July, and is set to last into next week, especially around the midlands and further south.

Temperatures have bee recorded climbing close to 30C in several locations during the past week.

The highest temperature on record in the Republic of Ireland is 33.3C, in June 1887.

Irish weather service, Met Éireann, is warning of temperatures above 27C potentially leading to water safety issues due to increased use of lakes, beaches, and waterways.

Potential impacts also include uncomfortable sleeping conditions, heat stress, forest fires, and drought.

Meanwhile a hosepipe ban and water conservation order is set to come into place in six counties in the Republic from Thursday, lasting for six weeks.

Climate change

The conditions the UK is experiencing so far this summer mirror the warnings given by climate scientists that human-induced climate change would lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, as well as potential summer droughts.

Met Office projections indicate hot spells will become more frequent in the future, particularly over the south-east of the UK.