Belfast could be basking in the sun and higher temperatures very soon, as a heatwave may be on the horizon next week.
Across England and Wales, temperatures have been soaring in recent weeks with highs nearing 30C a regular occurrence. The high temperatures haven't reached Northern Ireland yet, but the Met Office are predicting "dry and fine conditions" within days.
The "Azores high" is behind the current weather pattern in the UK. It's a period of semi-permanent high pressure that's stretching over from the southwest of the UK and bringing these clear, fine, and dry conditions for much of England and Wales.
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Northern Ireland has been at the edge of a few fronts moving in from the west, which explains why temperatures picking up here have been delayed.
Although temperatures will increase here, however, the Met Office have said it's not yet clear whether Northern Ireland will be enjoying a heatwave. The Met Office criteria for a heatwave is temperatures 25C or over for three days in a row.
Speaking to Belfast Live, a spokesperson for the Met Office said: "Heading through this weekend more specifically on Sunday, we're looking at temperatures to be rising in Northern Ireland.
"We're a little bit unclear at the moment as to whether there will be a heatwave, as it's looking borderline for a few days, but on Sunday we're seeing highs in the low to mid 20s and generally fine and dry conditions for most.
"There is a threat of showers in the far western coastal areas, but generally a fine and dry day for most on Sunday with those highs in the low to mid 20s.
"That theme continues throughout early next week, with fine, dry and sunny weather. Temperatures as we move into early next week in Northern Ireland will rise into their mid to high 20s for many places.
"In Belfast on Tuesday, you could see temperatures reaching around 25C. But as we move through next week, things get a little bit more uncertain.
"There's some colder air moving in from the north which looks likes it could subdue temperatures slightly from Wednesday, perhaps bringing it down to the high teens or low 20s."
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