Belfast’s grey skies are about to get a break. Northern Ireland is set for a warm, sunny weekend, with temperatures climbing higher than usual for late April, according to the Met Office. After weeks of drizzle and chill, the region’s finally catching a bit of that “mini heatwave” buzz sweeping the UK. But don’t dig out the flip-flops just yet—Friday’s got a wet patch to slog through first.
The forecast paints a clear picture. Thursday evening, April 24, kicks off with some rain pushing through, likely lingering into Friday. Expect a damp start, especially in the west, where showers could feel stubborn. By Saturday, though, the clouds part. Highs of 17°C are forecast across the region, with bright, sunny spells bathing Belfast, Derry, and beyond. Sunday holds steady, maybe dipping a degree, but still warm for this time of year. No record-breakers here—Northern Ireland’s not hitting the 25°C heatwave threshold—but it’s a welcome shift from the soggy norm.
This warmth isn’t out of nowhere. The Met Office points to a high-pressure system nudging in from the east, shoving aside the low-pressure gloom that’s been dumping rain all month. April’s been drier than usual, with Castlederg, Co Tyrone, hitting 21.2°C earlier this month—the earliest 20°C mark in 13 years. That same system’s now setting the stage for a fine weekend, though pollen counts are creeping up, so hay fever sufferers might want to stock up on tissues.
Friday’s rain could still throw a spanner in the works. The Met Office warns of “persistent” showers, especially in areas like Fermanagh and Armagh. But by Saturday morning, any lingering drizzle should clear, leaving clear skies and a warm breeze. It’s not just Northern Ireland—most of the UK’s expecting a toasty spell, with southern England possibly nudging 20°C. Here, though, 17°C feels like a small victory after a month of umbrellas.
Looking ahead, the warmth might stick around. Forecasters hint at “much sunnier and warmer” conditions into next week, with a chance of a proper heatwave as spring fades into summer. For now, the weekend’s shaping up as a cracker—perfect for a walk along the Causeway Coast or a pint in a Belfast beer garden. Just don’t expect it to last forever. Rain’s never far off in these parts.
Facts: Rain expected Thursday evening through Friday, April 25. Saturday and Sunday, April 26-27, forecast to reach 17°C with sunny spells. April has been drier than average, with 21.2°C recorded in Castlederg earlier this month. High pollen levels anticipated.