The Lyrid meteor shower reaches its peak tonight in Northern Ireland. Clear skies increase the chances of spotting meteors.

The event runs from April 16 to 25 each year. It peaks on Wednesday, April 22. Viewers may see 10 to 15 meteors per hour. Surges could produce up to 100 per hour.

High pressure brings dry conditions tonight. The Met Office forecasts late brightness followed by high cloud. Brisk easterly winds affect the east coast. Minimum temperature stands at 4°C.

Earth passes through dust from Comet Thatcher to cause the shower. The comet orbits the sun every 415 years. Meteors appear to come from the constellation Lyra. Debris enters the atmosphere at 43 miles per second and burns up.

A crescent moon sets early this evening. This reduces moonlight interference during peak viewing.