Northern Ireland recorded temperatures close to 12C on Friday under blue skies across much of the region. The highest reading reached 11.6C at Helen’s Bay and the Giant's Causeway around 2.30pm. Killowen in Co Down followed with 10.9C at 1.10pm.

These figures fall short of the year's peak of 14.3C, set on February 25 at Helen’s Bay and Derrylin in Co Fermanagh.

The Met Office predicts dry weather for Saturday with some bright spells or hazy sunshine. Conditions will feel slightly milder, though windy in the north and west. Maximum temperatures will hit 12C.

Snow flurries could affect Northern Ireland from March 13 under ECMWF model forecasts. Further snowfall appears possible around March 18 at midday and temperatures may drop to -1C by March 19.

Sunday brings variable cloud and bright spells with occasional rain spells.

Met Office outlooks note potential wintry hazards later in March, though no strong cold weather signal exists yet.