Q Radio News/PA
Northern Ireland’s hottest day has been recorded, according to the Met Office.
Saturday saw temperatures soar across the region, with the mercury hitting 31.2C in Ballywatticock close to Newtownards in Co Down at 3.40pm.
Previously, the highest temperature of 30.8C was recorded on July 12, 1983 and June 30, 1976.
The heat saw hordes of day trippers head to the beach to cool off, with police reporting heavy traffic congestion in Helen’s Bay, meanwhile train ticket sales to the popular coastal town in the afternoon were suspended due to high passenger numbers.
The Met Office says today is the hottest day ever in Northern Ireland.
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 17, 2021
31.2 C recorded in County Down. https://t.co/KLrR0UJUbI
The heatwave also affected the rest of the UK and Ireland.
The hottest day of the year so far was recorded in the Republic.
Temperatures soared to 29.3C in Athenry, Co Galway.
A temperature of 30.3C was recorded at Coton in the Elms, in Derbyshire, England, 29.6C was recorded in Usk, in Monmouthshire, Wales and 28.2C was recorded in Threave, in the Dumfries and Galloway region of Scotland.
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