After a rather unsettled week, Northern Ireland is gearing up for a welcome change as a spell of warmer and sunnier conditions is on the horizon for early next week. While the Met Office hasn't officially declared a heatwave, the upcoming weather promises a distinct shift towards a more summery feel, with temperatures anticipated to climb comfortably above the seasonal average. Many will be looking forward to shedding those extra layers and perhaps even firing up the barbecue.
The transition to this more pleasant weather pattern will begin gradually over the weekend, with improvements expected day by day. While Friday saw some wet and overcast conditions, the outlook for Saturday onwards is increasingly bright. High pressure is building, which will bring more settled and warmer air across the region, leading to a noticeable improvement in the overall weather picture.
While the exact duration of this sunnier spell is yet to be fully determined, the current forecast suggests that it could extend into the start of May, potentially including the Bank Holiday weekend. Here’s a more detailed look at what to expect each day, based on the latest Met Office data:
Saturday 26th April
A much brighter day is on the horizon. Any lingering rain in the far southeast will clear eastwards in the morning. Otherwise, expect a dry day with morning cloud gradually breaking up to reveal plenty of sunny spells. It will feel noticeably warmer, with temperatures reaching a pleasant maximum of 17°C.
Sunday 27th April
Sunday will be a breezier day with mostly cloudy skies. There's a chance of patchy rain, particularly in the morning. However, some brighter spells are possible later in the day. Temperatures are expected to climb slightly, reaching a maximum of around 18°C.
Monday 28th April
The transition to drier and warmer conditions continues. Monday is expected to be mostly cloudy with a few brighter intervals. While it should be largely dry, there's a small chance of a light shower. Temperatures will continue to rise.
Tuesday 29th April
Get ready for some glorious sunshine! Tuesday is looking like a dry day with longer spells of sunshine developing across Northern Ireland. Temperatures are set to climb significantly, with Belfast potentially reaching a high of 19°C.
Wednesday 30th April
The warm and sunny trend is set to continue. Wednesday is currently forecast to be another dry day with plenty of sunshine. Temperatures are expected to peak even further, with Belfast potentially hitting 20°C.
Looking ahead, the Met Office indicates that this spell of sunny, dry, and warmer weather could well extend into the May Bank Holiday weekend, offering a prolonged period of pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.
While the focus is on these warmer days, it's important to remember that April can still bring changeable weather, so staying updated with the latest forecasts is always advisable. For now, it seems like Northern Ireland can look forward to dusting off the barbecues and enjoying a taste of warmer weather next week!
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