Halloween weather: Northern Ireland in for wet night

With Halloween just around the corner, many trick-or-treaters in Northern Ireland will be wondering what the weather has in store.

It's usually a mix of cold temperatures, gusty winds and the occasional downpour.

This year is set to be no different.

The forecast favours a rainy weather system moving north across Ireland on Tuesday night, bringing with it the classic Halloween conditions we have come to expect.

But it is unlikely to deter the thousands of people expected to attend Londonderry's famous Halloween parade and fireworks display.

"With most of the activities taking place outdoors it always helps to have a bit of autumn sunshine," said Mayor Patricia Logue.

"This year we'll be having the very first drone display so we'll be keeping an eye on those wind speeds ahead of the event."

But the mayor is confident that even if it does rain it won't dampen the spirits.

"No matter what the forecast brings we are all set for phenomenal celebrations - just add a few extra layers under those Halloween costumes and enjoy the fun," she said.

That is a sentiment echoed by the organisers of Saturday night's fireworks display in Limavady.

The weather there is expected to be mainly dry but with a risk of the odd passing shower.

Causeway Coast and Glens Mayor Steven Callaghan has encouraged residents to wrap up well and enjoy events throughout his borough.

"Autumn is renowned as a changeable season but we hope that our residents will embrace this, dress for the weather and enjoy what we hope will be a fantastic Halloween of atmospheric fun," he said.

Rain and cloudy skies can serve as a backdrop to countless haunted house attractions, spooky storytelling sessions and eerie firework displays that light up the night.

Even with less-than-ideal weather conditions, determined trick-or-treaters, young and old, still take to the streets with umbrellas, raincoats, and creative disguises.

As the clock strikes midnight on 31 October and 1 November begins, Halloween celebrations will come to a close.

With costumes tucked away and pumpkins extinguished, we can reflect on another memorable Halloween night, complete with the familiar backdrop of drizzle and dark skies.