The Met Office forecasts temperatures in Northern Ireland could reach 20C this weekend, though such readings would occur only locally. Forecaster Liam Eslick stated that 20C is possible but not widespread. Current highs include 17.5C recorded today and 19C on April 7 in Armagh.

Tomorrow and Saturday afternoons may see 19C, especially in the north and west. Sunday will be cooler but remain sunny. The April monthly average stands at 12C.

Today peaked at 17.5C at 1.47pm, with 17.2C at Derrylin in County Fermanagh at 1.48pm. Yesterday's high was 15.4C in Helen's Bay, north Down.

The National Trust issued an amber wildfire warning for tomorrow in the Mournes and Murlough nature reserve due to dry conditions. It noted very high risk levels where fires could spread rapidly.

Visitors to the Mournes or Murlough should avoid lighting barbecues or fires and not discard cigarettes outdoors.

NI Water warned of landscape fire risks in warmer, drier weather, particularly in mountain areas like Silent Valley. It recalled a fire there last spring that burned over 5 square kilometres of land.