Northern Ireland has experienced its second heatwave of the summer, with temperatures reaching the mid-to-high 20s and renewed attention on the need for water conservation during prolonged warm, dry spells.
According to the met office, Northern Ireland has received little rainfall since 4th of July.
Heatwave conditions were officially reached after Castlederg in County Tyrone recorded temperatures above 25°C for three consecutive days, including 26.4°C on Sunday, 25.1°C on Monday and 25.7°C on Tuesday.
Castlederg is also the site of Northern Ireland’s highest recorded temperature, 31.3°C, which was set in July 2021.
Forecasts suggest temperatures will remain warm for the next few days, maintaining pressure on water resources and increasing demand from households and agriculture.
The latest heatwave reflects wider climate trends, with scientists warning that human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves and drought conditions.
Across the UK and Ireland, repeated periods of unusually high summer temperatures has highlighted the challenges of adapting infrastructure, people and wildlife.
Belfast Zoo has been helping its animals cope with the heat, offering ice pops to chimpanzees and meerkats, ice blocks to gorillas and water sprays for giraffes.
