Record Warmth Across Ireland
The island of Ireland experienced its joint warmest May day on record, with temperatures reaching 28.4°C in Oak Park, County Carlow. This temperature matches the previous May record of 28.4°C set in County Kerry in 1997.
Met Éireann, the Irish weather service, anticipates similar temperatures on Tuesday, with the possibility of a new temperature record being established.
Temperatures in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, temperatures have reached 25°C in several locations across counties Armagh, Tyrone, Down, and Fermanagh. The warmest day of the year so far was recorded at 25.8°C in Derrylin, County Fermanagh, which is approximately 10°C above the average for this time of year.
UK Temperature Records
The United Kingdom recorded its all-time highest May temperature on Monday, with London reaching 34.8°C. This provisional figure, recorded at Kew Gardens, also surpassed the previous hottest bank holiday Monday record of 33.3°C set during the August bank holiday in 2019.
Additionally, Wales recorded its hottest May day, and Scotland experienced its warmest day of the year so far.
Historical Context in Northern Ireland
The 104-year-old May temperature record for Northern Ireland stands at 28.3°C, recorded in Lisburn on 31 May 1922.
Warm weather is expected to continue throughout the working week in Northern Ireland, although temperatures will slightly decrease to the low 20s inland and high teens in coastal areas due to onshore breezes. UV levels are forecast to remain high.
Local Reactions at Helen's Bay
Helen's Bay, a popular seaside town in County Down, attracted many sun seekers on this Bank Holiday Monday. The Carvalho family shared their experience with NI.
"The weather was a 'surprise', so dad Freddy took a day off and we took a trip to the beach," said a family member.
Friends Claire Dummigan and Niamh Query also enjoyed the day with a seaside picnic, including non-alcoholic beverages.
"We try to get down on a regular basis, it's just such a beautiful part of the country," Niamh said.
"We're just so happy to be here on the beach and have this glorious weather," she added.
Claire shared her plans for the day.
"I had plans to 'jump in the sea very soon, have a lovely picnic and enjoy the sun while it's here'.
She admitted that getting into the sea is 'hard' given the average Northern Ireland temperatures, but when you 'come out you feel a million dollars – it just completely resets you'.
Enjoying the Warm Weather
Meanwhile, Kathryn Millar was spending the day at the beach caring for her grandchildren.
"The warm weather was 'unusual for Northern Ireland'.
"It's just fabulous – three months of this would be great," she added.
"We're so lucky, really lucky, it's great... We'll stay here all day as long as the sun's shining, [we'll] sit and do absolutely nothing!"
