Met Office provides update on potential ‘heatwave' ahead of Open Championship in NI
Northern Ireland is set to bask in sunshine in the run up to the 153rd Open Championship in Portrush next week, with a potential heatwave on the way.
The tournament is set to get underway on the north coast on Sunday July 13, with some 278,000 golf fans expected to converge on the town over the course of next week.
Excitement among fans at The Open's return to the Antrim Coast after the success of the Championship in 2019 led to unprecedented demand for tickets in the ballot last year with applications for more than one million tickets.
"Towards the end of the week, temperatures across Northern Ireland are forecast to rise' – Met Office
The attendance this year will surpass the previous high mark set at Royal Portrush six years ago when 237,750 fans celebrated Irishman Shane Lowry complete a memorable win in The 148th Open with a six-shot victory over Tommy Fleetwood.
Spells of cloudy weather with patchy rain on Tuesday are set to give way to clearer skies later in the evening with a minimum temperature of 11C.
Wednesday will see a cloudy start with some light rain over northern counties before becoming dry and bright throughout the afternoon as sunny spells develop.
There will be a maximum temperature of 22C.
That warm weather looks set to continue into the weekend, with Thursday through to Saturday seeing a ridge of high pressure bringing increasingly hot and sunny weather into the weekend.
A Met Office spokesperson said: 'Following a brief period of light rain across northern counties on Wednesday, conditions are expected to clear, becoming dry and bright with maximum temperatures reaching around 22°C.
"Towards the end of the week, temperatures across Northern Ireland are forecast to rise, with the possibility of a heatwave developing in some areas over the weekend.
"The picture will become clearer closer to the time, so to stay up to date, keep an eye on our forecasts.'
Meanwhile, the PSNI has warned the public to 'stay vigilant' while attending the Open, with officers warning of 'potential threats such as terrorism'.
Police said public safety 'remains our top priority'.
On social media, the PSNI said: 'We are urging everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity or incidents – no matter how small they seem.
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'In light of potential threats such as terrorism and other criminal activity, we ask the public to be proactive. Quick reporting allows officers to respond swiftly and appropriately, helping to ensure a safe environment for all.
'Examples of suspicious activity may include: Unattended bags or items, suspicious behaviour of any individual(s) and any activity that causes concern
'You are our eyes and ears on the ground. If something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate – report it immediately.
'Call 999 in an emergency, or speak directly to an officer at the event.'
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