It looks like summer may finally be here as temperatures across Northern Ireland are in line for a boost.
After a weather warning was issued for heavy rain and thunderstorms today, the mercury could be set to rise later in the week .
For Tuesday, the Met Office say: "A mainly cloudy start but brightening up with some sunny spells, the best on the north coast. Scattered heavy showers again breaking out mostly in the south and west. Maximum temperature 22C."
But it's Wednesday to Friday's forecast that is getting us excited - and thinking it may be time to finally dust off the old BBQ - as temperatures could hit 23C.
The Met Office added: "A fine dry spell of weather with plenty of sunshine, and becoming very warm. Perhaps some showers later Friday."
The Mirror reports that temperatures are expected to top 40C this week across Continental Europe.
The first full week of summer will be blistering in countries including Spain, France and Germany while the UK bakes in its hottest weather of the year.
Very hot air from Africa is being pulled north over Europe, where much of the mainland will see at least one day of "intense heat" and high humidity will make it feel more like 50C.
The hottest temperatures are expected in Paris, Madrid, Prague, Munich and Zurich, with temperatures expected to hit 41C in Spain, according to forecasters.
Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.
Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you want to display on the app's homepage. Plus, our enhanced user experience includes live blogs, video, interactive maps and slick picture galleries. Download it now and get involved.
Click here to get it from the App Store or here for Google Play .
