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Northern Ireland enters heatwave as high temperatures remain

Pacemaker Women swinging child in oceanPacemaker
Some took the chance to have a quick dip in the ocean at Seapark near Holywood, County Down, to escape the heat

Wednesday was the third consecutive day where a temperature in Northern Ireland reached 25C or higher.

It officially marked the current spell of weather as a heatwave - the last of which was at the end of June.

Temperatures reached 25.5C at the Giant's Causeway and 25.3C at both Armagh and Stormont on Wednesday.

In Northern Ireland, a heatwave is when temperatures exceed 25C for at least three consecutive days.

On Thursday, temperatures are forecast to reach 27C or higher, challenging the current September maximum of 27.6C.

That was recorded in Armagh on 1 September 1906 - more than 100 years ago.

Despite being hotter on Thursday, there will also be a risk of showers and a possible thunderstorm.

The warm weather is expected to continue through the rest of the week with temperatures well above the early September average.

On Tuesday, Castlederg in County Tyrone was the hotspot, recording a maximum temperature of 26.4C.

It was the highest since 26.4C was recorded at Helen's Bay, County Down, on 24 June.

Peter Breene Annalong coastal pathPeter Breene
Annalong's coastal path has been popular with walkers in County Down

Over the weekend, there will be a slight drop in temperature, and it will feel a little fresher by Sunday.

There will also be a risk of thundery showers over the weekend.

David Waves near PortballintraeDavid
Along the north coast, beachgoers have managed to catch a bit of sunshine and surf, like in Portballintrae

Parts of the east coast may be plagued by areas of sea mist drifting northwards up the Irish Sea.

This will subdue the temperature on some of the beaches in counties Antrim and Down.

Night-time temperatures are expected to remain high too, in the mid or high teens until early next week.

Pacemaker Tractor in field with birds flying overheadPacemaker
Farmers like this one in the Craigantlet Hills, County Down, have also been taking the advantage of the good weather

In the Republic of Ireland, a yellow weather warning for later this week has been issued for "very warm and humid weather".

Met Éireann said daytime temperatures could exceed 27C, with night-time temperatures not falling below 15C.

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The meteorological service said it could lead to heat stress, uncomfortable sleeping conditions, and a risk of water-related incidents.

The warning is in place from 08:00 local time on Thursday until 08:00 on Saturday morning.