BEACH RUNS OUT OF ROOM PORTSTEWART STRAND FORCED TO CLOSE IN HEATWAVE
THERE was barely space for a beach towel yesterday at Portstewart Strand, with the packed seaside spot closed to many sun seekers out to enjoy the second hottest day of the year so far.
A spokesperson from the National Trust said that a combination of high tides and the scorching weather drawing out the crowds forced them to turn many away.
“The tide was coming in so fast that there was no more space for any more cars to be parked on the beach,” she said.
An estimated 1,500 cars were among the lucky ones who managed to grab spaces, a boost of around 500 from Sunday’s turnout.
The spokesperson added: “It was an extremely busy day, we don’t get too many like it but the tide was against us this time. But it’s been beautiful and very hot.”
Killowen near Lisburn, had the peak temperature yesterday of 26.5C.
This was still just a shade lower than the hottest day so far this year, with Armagh reaching 26.6C on June 21.
The balmy Monday for the Co Down village was also the second hottest across the UK yesterday, just behind Heathrow at 26.9C.
A Met Office spokesperson said the heat will continue tomorrow with temperatures reaching up to 25C.
The message from the Met Office was, however: “Enjoy it while you can.”
Wednesday is predicted to see sustained showers during the day, especially in the western half of the country.
The sweltering heat will reduce down to around 19C by Thursday which should remain largely dry.
With at least one more day in the sun left, the Public Health Agency and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland have launched a new campaign to encourage young children to protect themselves from the heat.
More information on the short video and book entitled: ‘Percy Piglet and the Summer’ can be found at www.cancerfocusni.org