Northern Ireland will experience an unusually hot spell this week, with temperatures forecast to reach 27 degrees Celsius in some areas on Thursday. The Met Office has urged the public to take precautions as the heat prompts health and safety alerts.

Tuesday will also be warm, with Castlederg, Katesbridge and Armagh expected to see around 26C. Most parts of Northern Ireland will reach the mid 20s from Tuesday through Thursday, well above the seasonal average.

Humid conditions will persist, with potential tropical nights where the temperature stays above 20C. The Met Office said the muggy nighttime air could disrupt sleep for many.

A Met Office meteorologist described the heat as rare for June and advised keeping homes cool, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest hours. Vulnerable groups, particularly the young and old, were singled out as needing extra care.

Possible transport disruption was also highlighted, including issues on railway lines and softening road surfaces. The forecaster stressed caution around open water, warning that jumping into lakes or rivers to cool down risks cold water shock. The RNLI separately noted that water remains cold and sudden immersion can dangerously raise breathing and heart rate.

The meteorologist added that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent as the climate warms, making this the second heatwave of the year for the region.