Temperatures of up to 17C forecast for week ahead

Milder, sunnier and more settled weather is forecast for Northern Ireland this week as spring high pressure begins to build.

At times, temperatures are expected to reach up to 5C above average for the time of year, especially inland and away from the coast.

Thermometers in the west could climb to about 17C or higher, while coastal areas stay closer to the April average of 12C.

While there is a small chance of a passing shower on Monday, dry weather is expected to continue through the week.

As the week progresses high pressure will dominate, bringing plenty of sunshine and a continuing mild theme.

By Tuesday and Wednesday, daytime temperatures could peak at about 16-17C in the west.

Looking ahead, high pressure appears set to remain in place through the weekend and into the following week.

Initially centred just to the northwest of Ireland and the UK, it will shift to sit to the north, extending southwards across the country.

This pattern is likely to keep conditions largely dry across Northern Ireland.

However, there is some uncertainty around temperatures heading into next week.

One computer model suggests a return to near or slightly below average values, while another maintains the warmer conditions.

Either way, the dry trend looks set to continue.

Like many other parts of the UK, Northern Ireland experienced a drier-than-average March.

Before Saturday’s rainfall about 25% of normal March totals had been recorded — making it one of the driest in recent times