NI Water warning as Met Office say NI to feel sunshine for 5 more days

Aug 16, 2023

The heatwave is set to continue

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Northern Ireland Water have encouraged people to be "water wise" this weekend as the warm, sunny weather is set to continue.

With sunshine and high temperatures having been a feature for most of this week, the Met Office have told Belfast Live that it shows no sign of disappearing soon.

A Met Office spokesperson said that there is a slight chance of an isolated light shower on Sunday afternoon.

Read more:Things to do across Belfast when the sun comes out

"We can expect the sunny weather to continue until at least the end of this week and into the beginning of next week," he said.

"There is the chance of an isolated shower on Sunday evening, otherwise it stays warm and dry through the weekend and into the beginning of next week.

"There is some signs on models that of we get to the second half of next week we could start to see a bit of a change with an increased risk of some showers developing towards the end of next week and into the following weekend."

Meanwhile, NI Water are encouraging people to be careful of their water usage as the warm spell continues.

NI Water's Director of Customer and Operations, Des Nevin said: "It's amazing to think that on an average day, each person uses around 170 litres of water, but this increases even more on a hot sunny day to over 200 litres. It really is easy to save water and there are simple things we can all do that can make a huge difference.

"All this hot, dry weather may have our lawns looking a bit brown and it's tempting to turn on the sprinkler, but a sprinkler can use as much as 1,000 litres of clean drinking water in a single hour; more than a family of four would use in a whole day. Lawns are great survivors and with the next rain they will soon bounce back.

"While it is tempting, please avoid using swimming or paddling pools. Filling a 12ft swimming pool uses the same amount of water 500 people use for daily handwashing.

"It's important to keep well hydrated and ensuring we are drinking enough water during this warm weather is vitally important. Topping up from the tap is a great way to do this but don't be tempted to let the tap run while waiting for the water to get cold. Instead keep a jug of refreshing tap water in the fridge, cold water when you need it and less waste!

"As we start to feel the heat and head for that refreshing shower, it might be time to think about reducing the time spent in the shower. Not only does hot water cost money, but by reducing our time in the shower by just 2 minutes, can save around 100 litres of water a week. Why not try the 4 minute shower challenge, put on your favourite 4 minute song and see if you can finish before the end."

Some water saving tips: