In pictures: People enjoy Northern Ireland's hottest day of the year

16 July 2021

Greencastle Co Down — Image caption,
A break from cycling to take in the view at Greencastle in County Down

By Barra Best

BBC News NI Weather Presenter

Northern Ireland has recorded its hottest day of the year as towns and cities bask in summer sunshine.

According to the Met Office, 27.6C has been recorded in Killowen, County Down, on Friday. It is the highest temperature recorded in NI since 2018.

Castlederg, County Tyrone, saw a high of 26.9C at 16:00 BST on Friday and it was 26.5C at Belfast's Stormont Estate.

The warm air from the Azores in the mid-Atlantic will bring similar temperatures on Saturday.

But coastal areas will be cooler with onshore winds and some mist and cloud.

Cloudier conditions are expected on Sunday, bringing temperatures down by a few degrees.

Temperatures inland are expected to stay in the low 20s until next Friday at least.

Warm and muggy nights can also be expected as a result.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has urged people to reduce their water usage to protect supplies.

She said that NI Water has reported an increase in water usage, with hoses, sprinklers, paddling pools and pressure washers being used more frequently.

"We want everyone to be able to enjoy their home and garden in the good weather," said Ms Mallon.

"Please stop and think if what you are doing is essential or if there is something you can do to help protect this precious resource to ensure everyone has access to sufficient supply."