Wildfire warnings for NI as high temperatures continue

New warnings for wildfires have been issued as high temperatures are set to continue.

There is a yellow warning for wildfires from the National Hazards Partnership in place from Thursday across Northern Ireland, meaning there is a likelihood of manageable wildfires.

The warning is set to be elevated to amber on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, meaning an increased risk of difficult-to-control wildfires.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has appealed for people to follow advice to keep Northern Ireland safe from wildfires.

This includes no BBQs or campfires in the countryside and to not drop cigarettes or matches.

A prolonged spell of dry, sunny, and warm weather is set to last into next week.

Temperatures climbed into the low 20s on Tuesday in the west, well above the May average of 14.8C.

With high pressure dominating, this trend is set to continue for the rest of this week, and over the weekend.

The coming days will seen plenty of sunshine with temperatures climbing close to the mid-20s inland and towards the west.

Coastal areas will typically be cooler with thermometers reaching the mid-to high teens.

The weekend will offer more of the same with temperatures of about 23-24C in the west, and around 18C along the coast.

Looking ahead, the settled weather is set to persist into early next week although there is some uncertainty later in the week as high pressure begins to shift.

The RNLI has warned of the dangers of entering the water during spells of good weather.

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI water safety lead, urged the public to be aware of the dangers, know their limits and not to take risks.

“Go with others and look out for each other. Make sure your phone is charged so you can call for help if you come across anyone who needs it,” she said.

Swimmers have also been warned of the dangers of being tempted to swim in quarry water.

Water in quarries can be extremely cold, deep and contain hidden hazards such as abandoned machinery and ledges.