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BBQ and beach weather beckons with glorious Spring sunshine in NI

  • Writer: Love Ballymena
    Love Ballymena
  • Apr 27
  • 3 min read

The Causeway Coast. (Image Ellie Kate)


Northern Ireland is poised for a splendid week of warm, sunny weather, perfect for barbecues, coastal outings, and springtime adventures.


The Met Office and BBC Weather forecast a high-pressure system sweeping across the region, bringing clear skies, rising temperatures, and settled conditions, with temperatures peaking midweek.



This pleasant spell offers a welcome contrast to recent wetter and cooler weather, setting the stage for outdoor enjoyment. Below is a daily weather breakdown for Northern Ireland for the week of 28 April to 4 May 2025, along with UV index guidance to ensure safe enjoyment of the sunny days.


Daily Weather Breakdown for Northern Ireland


  • Monday, 28 April: The week starts with mostly cloudy but predominantly dry skies. Temperatures will reach 17–18°C, with light southerly breezes. Some cloud may persist in western areas, but significant rain is unlikely. UV Index: Moderate (3–4).


  • Tuesday, 29 April: Brighter conditions emerge as clouds thin, giving way to sunny spells by afternoon. Temperatures climb to 18–19°C, with light winds. Ideal for exploring parks or coastal areas. UV Index: Moderate (4–5).



  • Wednesday, 30 April: The warmest day of the week, with clear skies and abundant sunshine. Temperatures peak at 20–21°C, well above the early May average. Light breezes make it perfect for barbecues or beach visits. UV Index: Moderate to High (5–6).


  • Thursday, 1 May: Another sunny day with temperatures dropping a bit to 15–16°C. Long sunny spells and minimal cloud create ideal conditions for outdoor pursuits like riverside walks or garden gatherings. UV Index: Moderate to High (5–6).


  • Friday, 2 May: Mostly dry with sunny intervals, though some patchy cloud may develop later. Temperatures slightly cooler at 16–17°C, with gentle breezes. A good day for countryside outings. UV Index: Moderate (4–5).



  • Saturday, 3 May: Dry and bright with a mix of sun and occasional cloud. Temperatures around 17°C, with light winds. Suitable for outdoor plans, though clouds may thicken by evening. UV Index: Moderate (3–4).


  • Sunday, 4 May: A shift to breezier conditions with a chance of morning showers, particularly in western areas. Sunny intervals return by afternoon, with temperatures at 15–16°C. UV Index: Low to Moderate (2–3).


David Oliver is a Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist. He said:


“Despite media speculation, next week’s conditions are likely to fall just outside of official Met Office heatwave thresholds. However, this shouldn’t lead to any disappointment as many can anticipate a very fine spell of weather with temperatures reaching 27°C during the middle of the week.” 



A UK heatwave threshold is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. The threshold varies by UK county, see the UK temperature threshold map below.  


For Northern Ireland, the temperature threshold is 25°C.


The highest recorded April temperature was way back in 1949 when Camden Square in London recorded 29.4°C on 16 April. Met Office Chief Forecaster Matthew Lehnert said:


“We are not expecting the April UK temperature record to be broken, but some locations may nudge local records.  


“Often warm spells are driven by warmer air arriving from further south, but the origins of next week’s air are from Scandinavia and central Europe. This air mass will be warmed by compression as the high pressure begins to build, and this warmth will be boosted by daytime heating from the April sun.” 



General Weather Outlook


This warm, sunny spell is driven by a robust high-pressure system settling over the UK, bringing Northern Ireland some of the finest weather of the spring so far.


The Met Office notes that the midweek peak of 18–19°C, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday, marks a significant jump from recent cooler, wetter conditions, offering a summery feel. Night-time temperatures will remain mild, between 8–10°C, reducing the risk of frost and keeping evenings comfortable for outdoor activities.



The Met Office’s longer-range outlook suggests that high pressure will likely maintain predominantly fine conditions into early May, with only short-lived unsettled spells. This forecast aligns with a broader UK trend, where many regions are set to enjoy similar settled weather.

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