How long will the sunshine & blue skies last over Northern Ireland?

It's been a glorious start to the week across Northern Ireland, but how long will the sunshine and blue skies last?

The current settled weather pattern will persist into midweek, bringing further sunshine and very high temperatures.

However, as the week progresses, forecasters have warned there are increasing signs of change on the way, with slight cooling in some areas and a greater influence from Atlantic weather systems later on.

On Wednesday cooler air from the North Sea will sweep inland across eastern areas - as a result - eastern coasts will feel noticeably fresher, with temperatures nearer the mid to high teens in places.

There will be a mix of sunshine and variable cloud, with the continued risk of a few isolated thundery showers.

The Met Office said: "There will be plenty of sunshine, though some cloud will develop at times, and there remains a risk of a few scattered showers or isolated thunderstorms. These are expected to be fairly limited in coverage, and most places will stay dry.

"By Friday, the weather begins to show more influence from the Atlantic, particularly in the north.

"Conditions will remain more settled, with a mix of cloud and sunny spells.

"As we move into the weekend, there are signs of further change as Atlantic weather systems begin to move in more widely, particularly across northern areas. This will bring an increasing chance of rain and stronger winds, with conditions turning more unsettled compared to earlier in the week."

Northern Ireland's five-day forecast 👇

This Evening and Tonight: A dry and bright evening with some late sunshine. The rest of the night will see clear spells, and perhaps the odd mist or fog patch developing later. Minimum temperature 9 °C.

Wednesday: Dry and bright with the best chance of some bright or hazy sunny spells during the afternoon. Warm, particularly in the west. Maximum temperature 23 °C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Mainly dry with very warm sunshine Thursday, chance of the odd shower. Cloudier later Thursday and Friday morning with the risk of a few showers. Rain spreading east on Saturday.

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