It is time to lap up the sun’s ray in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens as temps hit 19C

NORTHERN Ireland is basking in glorious sunshine today, and our weather is finally going to get better, say forecasters.

There may be some isolated showers over the next few days but Peter O’Donnell from Irish Weather Online says warm weather has finally arrived.

And temperatures could reach 23C next week – beach weather at last!

Today should see temperatures reach up to 19C.

“It’s already beautiful across Northern Ireland and the rest of the country will see that weather with them as the day goes on,” he said.

He added: ”There continue to be indications of a warm spell with an easterly source as higher pressure develops from the Azores to northern Scandinavia.

“Highs could be in the 18-23 C range at times in early June.

“There would be either one long unbroken dry spell, or two dry spells with a brief interruption from cooler, showery conditions, depending on which guidance for the second week ahead proves to be the more accurate.”

Here’s Peter forecast:

TODAY: A largely sunny day with some long spells of warm sunshine around, although coastal areas are expected to be cooler due to the northerly or northeasterly breeze. Eastern coastal area are likely to become cloudier later in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 19 deg C (66 deg F).

TONIGHT: Remaining largely dry across western and central parts with some decent evening sunshine followed by clear spells overnight. However eastern areas look cloudier with a few showers. Minimum temperature 7 deg C (45 deg F).

THURSDAY: Cloud and showers in east soon clearing away south to leave another dry day with some good spells of warm sunshine. Once again northern coasts cooler and becoming misty later. Maximum temperature 19 deg C (66 deg F).

OUTLOOK FOR FRIDAY TO SUNDAY: Cooler Friday and rather cloudy with patchy rain spreading east, but brighter later. The weekend looks generally cloudy with outbreaks of rain, brighter at times across southern Counties.