Met Office issues extreme heat warning for Northern Ireland

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning over extreme heat in Northern Ireland.

The warning comes as the region continues to be affected by high July temperatures.

The Met Office warning, which covers all six counties in Northern Ireland, covers the period from 8am on Wednesday until 11:59pm on Friday night.

Northern Ireland recorded a provisional record high temperature on Saturday, when the mercury hit 31.2C (88F) in Ballywatticock close to Newtownards in Co Down at 3.40pm.

Previously, the highest temperature of 30.8C (87.4F) was recorded on July 12 1983 and June 30 1976.

But, it is possible the new record may be exceeded this week with the Met Office predicting that the temperature will rise above 30C (86F) on Wednesday and Thursday.

Following our first ever extreme heat warning yesterday, parts of central and south east England have been issued with a yellow thunderstorm warning, whilst Northern Ireland gets an amber warning for extreme heat in the coming days 🌡️
Learn more 👉https://t.co/GJxOmlNv0t

— Met Office (@metoffice) July 20, 2021

A Met Office statement said: “The current hot weather is expected to continue until later this week, with daytime temperatures peaking on Wednesday and Thursday.

“High overnight temperatures are also expected before temperatures fall on Friday.”

The Met Office warning comes with an appeal to watch out for heat exhaustion and sunburn.

The nidirect government services website issued updated advice for people on staying safe in the sun.

It said: “Extreme heat can have health consequences, as well as increased traffic near coastal areas, increased use of water and an increase in wildfire risk.”

The website said extreme heat could also cause ongoing pressures on water resources and an increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, leading to power cuts and the loss of other services.

The website also warned that more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers in coming days, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents.

NI Water has urged the public to urgently reduce water usage to avoid shortages.

Director of customer operations Des Nevin said, if the current demand continues, it will lead to failures in the system and some customers will lose supply.

With the soaring temperatures, families have been flocking to Northern Ireland’s beaches and beauty spots.