Temperatures hit 21C with more expected tomorrow: 'Hopefully this is not our summer though'
Northern Ireland has had its hottest day so far this year – and today may yet match it.
Today saw temperatures in Castlederg hit 21C at about 3.30pm and 20C at Altnahinch, north Antrim, at 1pm.
The Met Office forecaster Becky Mitchell said that there is a “small chance” of a repeat of this top reading tomorrow in the east of the Province, where the warmest weather will be concentrated, though readings of between 20C and 21C are more likely.
And the good news is that this sunny weather is expected to persist all week, albeit not at quite such high temperatures.
Across the whole UK, today’s hottest temperature was 22C in Whitchurch in south-west Wales, whereas Scotland’s highest was 21.6C at Tyndrum in the centre of the country, and England’s was 21.1C at Wiggonholt, West Sussex.
Saturday will be “quite similar”, but with the potential for “some late showers in the afternoon”, and with temperatures up to 19C.
Miss Mitchell said this is all the result of a big patch of high pressure which has drifted in from the west “and just kind of lingered” over the north of the British Isles.
"The high pressure looks like it’s staying in charge through most of next week, until Saturday and Sunday things will probably stay nice and fine,” she said.
"There are signs that as we head towards the following Monday, it’ll turn more unsettled.”
SURF’S NOT UP:
One businessman whose trade is weather-dependent is Andy Hill, owner of Troggs surf shop in Portrush (trading since 1984).
As he spoke to the News Letter that the sunshine outside was “roasting”.
"Unfortunately with this good weather surf has completely died,” he said, noting that there were no waves on the sea at all, so he is hiring out few surf boards.
On the plus side, the conditions are “ideal” for paddleboarding, and sales of caps and sunglasses are up.
"Now the good weather’s come there’s definitely all of a sudden a bit more footfall in town – I think this weekend is going to be very busy,” he said.
A number of Americans are now arriving in the town to play golf at Royal Portrush, and “we do like the Americans because they spend well”.
"Portrush is one of the best places on Earth right now – just stunning,” he said.
"I reckon this weekend now we’ll see an influx of visitors making the best of this.”
He added: “Hopefully this isn’t our summer.
"Last May was amazing, then June wasn’t so good.
"Hopefully we’ll get a better run this year.”
BEER BOOST:
Across the country, pubs are expecting a boost as beer gardens fill up this weekend says Colin Neill, head of the pub trade body Hospitality Ulster, who represents roughly 1,100 bars.
"The good weather lifts all our spirits and makes us more sociable, and we’re in a sociable industry,” he said.
"You do find normally the first two days of weather, you might get more people having a barbecue at home and stuff.
"But if we get a run, then people quite quickly sicken of charcoal burgers and hotdogs.
"Then you get: ‘I want to go and meet friends, I want to go and socialise’.
"And there’s no better place than a beer garden.
"Now, beer gardens, pavement cafes and outdoor space play a big role in our industry.
"We’re now disposed to outdoor socialising, eating, drinking, and the better weather will just accelerate that.”