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Warmest April day in NI for 40 years

Linzi Lima, Maria McCann & Barra Best
BBC News NI
BBC two women sat in garden chairs sunbathing. They both have white hair and wearing sunglasses. The woman on the right has a small dog on her lap. BBC
Patricia and Collette McKenna soaked up some sun with their dog Buttons at Seapark in Holywood

Long-standing temperature records in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland were passed on Wednesday.

Temperatures climbed to 24.1C in Castlederg in County Tyrone and Derrylin in County Fermanagh, the warmest April day in Northern Ireland for more than 40 years.

The last time thermometers were that high was 27 April 1984 at Knockraven in County Fermanagh.

In the Republic it was the warmest April day on record at 25.9C in Athenry, County Galway, breaking a 41-year record set back in 1984.

Northern Ireland's April record was not quite passed, with the 24.1C in Castlederg and Derrylin shy of the 24.5C set at Boom Hall in Londonderry on 26 April 1984.

Responding to a question by Alliance assembly member John Blair on Wednesday, Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said that "rising temperatures caused by climate change has been recognised as a public health concern".

He cited the World Health Organisation (WHO) which states "climate change presents a threat to public health and is impacting health in a myriad of ways, including by leading to death and illness from increasingly frequent extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, storms and floods, the disruption of food systems, increases in zoonoses and food-, water- and vector-borne diseases, and mental health issues".

RNLI water warning

According to Irish weather service, Met Éireann, it is only the second time in Irish climate records that temperatures have risen above 25C in the month of April.

Records in the Republic go back to 1941.

More than 15 Met Éireann weather stations broke their own April high temperature record on Wednesday.

Many across Northern Ireland took advantage of the sunshine and blue skies by heading to well known walking and beauty spots.

The RNLI reminded anyone entering the water to take extra care and avoid unnecessary risks as early season conditions are more challenging.

A man with a blue RNLI Lifeboats t shirt is looking directly at the camera. Behind him is a white exterior wall with a blue RNLI Lifeboats sign.
Derek Rea from the RNLI said despite the nice weather low sea temperatures could cause cold water shock.

"Although the outside temperature is really nice and warm, the sea temperature at the minute is still below 10 degrees, so if you are going into the water be very cautious about the period of time that you're in it, Derek Rea from the lifeboat station in Larne said.

"Go into the sea, come out and run up and down the beach, enjoy yourselves and go back in again."

Raymond McCarron Scene from the centre of Castlederg, with grassy circle in the centre. There is a stone sculpture at the front. The centrepiece is surrounded by cars and houses.Raymond McCarron
Temperatures reached 23.7C at Castlederg in County Tyrone on Wednesday

He said despite the nice weather, low sea temperatures could cause cold water shock.

"If you get into trouble and feel yourself cramping up or anything, what we recommend is you go into the float-to-live approach," he said.

"Put your arms out, tilt your head back to open your airway, have the water covering your ears, and your body will naturally come up to the surface."

BBC Weather Watcher Cfeenan1 Group of people in a rowing boat on the blue water at Ardglass, County Down. A blue sky is above the coastline.BBC Weather Watcher Cfeenan1
This group savoured the sunny weather in a rowing boat at Ardglass, County Down
BBC Weather Watcher freeasabird The view at Portstewart, with a sandy beach in the foreground and blue water to the right. BBC Weather Watcher freeasabird
A sweeping vista of golden sands and water lapping the shore at Portstewart