In pictures: Heatwave continues across Northern Ireland

The heatwave continues in Northern Ireland with temperatures expected to reach 27C or even 28C on Thursday – mostly in Counties Fermanagh and Tyrone.

Temperatures around the coastal areas will be more in the 20-23C range which is still above average for the time of year.

Towards the weekend the temperatures will drop slightly to the low 20s inland but it will still remain dry.

That heat threshold must be met for at least three consecutive days at the same weather station to signal a heatwave, according the Met Office.

Meanwhile in the Republic of Ireland, a six-week hosepipe ban for six areas around the country has come into effect, while Met Éireann issued a new Status Yellow heat warning until Friday morning.