Province sizzles as temperatures scorch past Greek capital Athens

NORTHERN Ireland is hotter than Athens — and that’s official!

The Greek capital reached 19C yesterday, while in Belfast the mercury peaked at a balmy 24C — the same as Jerusalem.

As the province sizzles, the good news for sun-lovers is that the heatwave is set to continue for at least another three days, according to forecasters.

But as the hot weather continues, the likelihood of thundery showers will increase.

Today will be cloudy but dry, with just a few areas on the north coast experiencing light summer showers.

From tomorrow to Thursday we’re in for dry days with sunny spells.

On Wednesday the temperature will again reach a sizzling 24 degrees — with more thundery showers possible. Thursday will also be dry and sunny.

Yesterday was the UK’s hottest day of the year so far.

Temperatures climbed to 31.9C (89.4F) at Hampton Water Works in Greater London.

A Met Office spokeswoman said: “We could see 33C on Monday, which we think would be the peak of the heat.”

Enjoying the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival at the weekend were (left) face-painter Nikita Thompson and David Brown (5); the good weather attracted large crowds to the event, many of them going onboard the ships (centre), and Benjamin Whitman and...