Northern Ireland's heatwave is expected to bring its highest temperatures on Thursday, with the Met Office forecasting 27C to 28C in inland counties. The warmest conditions are likely in Fermanagh and Tyrone, while coastal areas will see more moderate highs of 20C to 23C, still above average for the time of year.

The hot, dry spell has already drawn crowds to popular outdoor spots. People were seen cooling off in the water at Seapark in County Down and on the sand at Portrush Strand on the north coast. Other locations including Strangford, Carrickfergus, and the grounds of Belfast Castle also attracted visitors enjoying the clear skies.

The Met Office defines a heatwave as a period where a threshold temperature is met or exceeded for at least three consecutive days at the same weather station. The current run of hot weather is forecast to ease slightly over the weekend, with inland temperatures dropping to the low 20s. Conditions are expected to remain dry.