Mildest winter in Province since 1998

Northern Ireland has experienced its mildest winter in nearly 20 years.
Botanic Gardens in Belfast on Sunday during sunny weather across Northern Ireland at the weekend.
 Photo by Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker PressBotanic Gardens in Belfast on Sunday during sunny weather across Northern Ireland at the weekend.
 Photo by Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press
Botanic Gardens in Belfast on Sunday during sunny weather across Northern Ireland at the weekend. Photo by Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

Saturday was the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures hitting 16 degrees at the Giant’s Causeway while yesterday Botanic Gardens (pictured right) was a hive of activity as people made the most of the March sunshine.

The average temperature for December to February was 5.6 degrees, heralding the fourth warmest winter dating back to 1910.

The last time such temperatures were experienced in Northern Ireland over the winter period was 1998.