This dog ensured it had appropriate eye protection on a sunny day in Minerstown, County Down
ByBarra Best
BBC News NI senior weather presenter
Heatwave conditions have now been met in Northern Ireland after temperatures climbed above 25C for three days in a row in County Tyrone.
That heat threshold must be met for at least three consecutive days at the same weather station, according the Met Office.
Castlederg recorded 25.7C at lunchtime on Tuesday afternoon after reaching 25.1C on Monday and 26.4C on Sunday, with similar temperatures, possibly higher, expected in the coming days.
The same station holds Northern Ireland's highest temperature record of 31.3C, recorded in July 2021.
The beach at Portballintrae, County Antrim, was busy with sunseekers
Hot conditions, especially inland, are set to continue before cooling by a few degrees towards the weekend, although temperatures are forecast to remain above average for most.
Coastal areas will remain several degrees cooler at times, especially with a sea breeze.
In the Republic of Ireland a heat warning has been issued, external across most of the country with 20 counties affected until Friday morning, with a further heat advisory in place across every county until Saturday.
A gaggle geese soaked up the sun in Belfast
A heatwave has been in place in the Republic of Ireland since 9 July, and is set to last into next week, especially around the midlands and further south.
Temperatures have bee recorded climbing close to 30C in several locations during the past week.
The highest temperature on record in the Republic of Ireland is 33.3C, in June 1887.
Irish weather service, Met Éireann, is warning of temperatures above 27C potentially leading to water safety issues due to increased use of lakes, beaches, and waterways.
Potential impacts also include uncomfortable sleeping conditions, heat stress, forest fires, and drought.
Meanwhile a hosepipe ban and water conservation order is set to come into place, external in six counties in the Republic from Thursday, lasting for six weeks.
Climate change
The conditions the UK is experiencing so far this summer mirror the warnings given by climate scientists that human-induced climate change would lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, as well as potential summer droughts.
Met Office projections indicate hot spells will become more frequent in the future, particularly over the south-east of the UK.
