New provisional highest temperature record of 31.4 C in Armagh

A new provisional highest temperature record has been reached in Armagh according to the Met Office.

At 15:20, a temperature of 31.4 C was recorded, provisionally making it Northern Ireland's hottest day on record.

That temperature beats the previous provisional record of 31.3 C which was seen in Castlederg on Wednesday.

On Saturday afternoon, a new record was reached in Ballywatticock near Newtownards with the mercury soaring to 31.2 C.

Before that, the highest temperature of 30.8C was recorded on July 12, 1983 and June 30, 1976.

• UTV Weather forecast for Northern Ireland

The record beating temperatures come amidst the going amber warning for extreme heat across Northern Ireland.

The Met Office warning is expected to stay in force until Friday at 23:59.

The high temperatures have led to warnings over water supply and public safety, with people urged to stay away from areas where large crowds may be gathering.

Translink said on Thursday that ticket sales had to be suspended for the route to Helen's Bay in Co Down due to high passenger numbers.

A tweet from Translink said: "Speed restriction in place because of high track temperatures today, some services will be subject to some delays & disruption."

NI Water said that because of the hot weather, demand for water is currently outstripping supply.

• WATCH: Sara O'Kane looks at the issue of climate change in light of the soaring temperatures: