Northern Ireland weather: Warmest day of year so far

The Cherry Blossom tree was flourishing in Downpatrick

Sunday was the warmest day of the year so far in Northern Ireland.

Temperatures generally ranged from 16C to 19C and the highest value was recorded at Castlederg in County Tyrone at 19.3C.

Parts of the County Down coast were a little cooler due to the onshore breeze.

Previously this month temperatures have been up to 17.7C at Killowen in County Down on 11 April.

People took advantage of the sun to dry their washing in Ballycastle

The average temperature for the month of April is 12C.

Flowers in full bloom at a field in County Armagh

After all the recent rainfall farmers and gardeners will have made the most of the warm, dry conditions at the weekend.

The week ahead will be cooler, and some chilly nights are expected with possible frost.

There will still be some sunshine and very little rain before the weekend.

This dog enjoyed the sun at a beach in Holywood

Last year, Northern Ireland experienced its warmest year on record, with an average temperature of 10.17C according to the Met Office.

The previous record was 9.83C set in 2022.

People working in the fields in Ballymena enjoyed the dry weather