High winds steal power from 4,000 but Bank Holiday Monday to sizzle

High winds of up to 66mph today knocked out the power to almost 4,000 homes, although things look more promising for Bank Holiday Monday, with temperatures of up to 21C.
By Philip Bradfield
Published 22nd May 2020, 20:05 BST
Updated 22nd May 2020, 21:34 BST
A lamb enjoying the sun in the Mourne Mountains, Co Down. Picture sent in by Isabella PattersonA lamb enjoying the sun in the Mourne Mountains, Co Down. Picture sent in by Isabella Patterson
A lamb enjoying the sun in the Mourne Mountains, Co Down. Picture sent in by Isabella Patterson

A Met Office spokesman said an area of low pressure has come from the Atlantic which for this time of May is “quite a potent area of low pressure and that is what has brought all the windy weather”.

The low pressure had been picked up by the Jet Stream from across the Atlantic and has seen gusts of up to 66mph today on the Bangor coast with average wind speeds across NI of up to 30mph. The strongest gusts were along the north coast.

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A spokeswoman for NI Electricity said that by 6pm today, power had been restored to 3,500 homes with line technicians working on a further 386. The problems were distributed in pockets right across NI, she added.

Anyone without power can report it to NIE on 0345 643 643

Looking ahead, the Met Office said Saturday will be less windy than today, a bright but blustery day with sunny intervals and occasional showers with strong west to southwest winds and gales near the north coast. There will also be more persistent rain on Saturday evening. The maximum temperature will be 15C.

“Sunday into Monday will see brighter conditions developing and winds will be quite light by the time Monday arrives with much warmer temperatures, up to 21C with light winds and sunshine,” the Met Office added. Tuesday will drop to 19C and a cloudy start with sunshine developing, especially in the north.

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Related topics:Met OfficeNorthern Ireland