How long Northern Ireland looks set to bask in sunshine

The current day-by-day forecasts sure look promising

Northern Ireland looks set to bask in straight sunshine for the remainder of this month and into next month, according to forecasters.

This all looks very promising as we leave April and enter into May, especially with the early May Bank Holiday weekend coming up.

Current long range BBC weather forecasts suggest rain will return on Sunday, May 3 just in time for the Belfast City Marathon.

READ MORE: Yellow warning for wildfires issued as drier and sunnier weather forecastREAD MORE: UK weather maps show 26C heat but Northern Ireland stuck below 20C

The Met Office’s day-by-day forecast doesn’t stretch as far as the BBC’s, but its long range forecast also looks promising.

Meanwhile with drier and sunnier weather forecast over the coming days, a yellow warning for wildfires is in place in Northern Ireland.

The dry weather along with rising temperatures and stronger winds, means conditions are ideal for fires to start and spread quickly. In the Republic of Ireland an orange warning for wildfires has been issued.

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is reminding the public to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors to help protect our countryside from wildfires.

Last year, NIFRS attended 95 wildfire incidents in Northern Ireland, 83% of which were due to deliberate ignition, a stark reminder that most wildfires are human-caused and preventable.

The fire service says the majority of these incidents, 93 in total, occurred between March and May, highlighting the increased risk during the spring period when vegetation is dry and weather conditions are favourable for fire spread.

Here’s what to expect on the weather front for the coming days in Northern Ireland:

Thursday:

All parts will have a dry day with plenty of sunshine although some high cloud around. Feeling warm in the sunshine although cooler along the east coast. Maximum temperature 17°C.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Remaining dry and settled into the weekend with some warm sunshine. Perhaps turning cloudier on Sunday.

UK long range weather forecast: Monday 27 April – Wednesday 6 May

High pressure is likely to remain centred close to or over the UK through the remainder of April and into early May. This means a continuation of the predominantly dry conditions, likely with a mixture of some cloudier spells and sunnier days.

For the most part, rain-bearing weather systems should be kept at bay, though the far west and northwest may see a little rain at times. Winds will be mostly light, but may be fresher around the coasts at times.

For most, temperatures will continue above normal, though it will feel cooler along windward coasts in particular. Towards the end of the period, conditions may become more unsettled as low pressure becomes rather more dominant.

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