Climate change: Eight days of wintry weather lost in NI

Across the the UK, England had 12 fewer winter days, with Wales and Scotland each losing 10 days with sub-zero minimums.

The moderating influence of the Atlantic and the Irish Sea means that Northern Ireland is the most temperate part of the UK, and therefore the least affected by large fluctuations in temperature.

Yet even in Northern Ireland there were, on average, eight fewer days each winter when the temperature dropped below zero.

For Northern Ireland, climate change – due primarily to burning oil, coal, and methane gas – means warmer, wetter winters.

Whilst that might reduce the need for domestic heating, it can cause significant issues for wildlife and our biggest industry agriculture.

With fewer than 30 breeding pairs left in Northern Ireland the future for some endangered species like Barn Owls is even more precarious.