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Could Northern Ireland be about to bake in three months of sizzling temperatures?

Despite the relentless rain this weekend, shock weather patterns are being tipped to send thermometers skyrocking.

In just over a week, some forecasters expect an onslaught of heat waves to hit, paving the way for a record breaking summer of sweltering sunshine, The Mirror reports.

The mercury is expected to soar so high, in fact, there’s a chance the highest ever UK temperature of 38.5C could be beaten.

June, July and August will see Northern Ireland bake in 30C heat as extreme “heat surges” are swept in from the Continent.

(Image: Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk)

So, what's going on?

The predictions hinge on a rare set of meteorological circumstances, which forecasters now agree will come to fruition.

Scorching air from Africa and the Continent is set to flood in following a dramatic northwards swing in the jet stream.

Unlike in other years, its path and activity have been affected by a monster El Nino event which has led to a drastic alteration in ocean temperatures.

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Here's the science...

Rebecca Lindsay, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) said: “This shift disrupts the atmospheric circulation patterns that connect the tropics with the middle latitudes, which in turn modifies the mid-latitude jet streams.

“This can affect temperature and precipitation across…the world.”

Previous summer scorchers - including 1915, 1949,1959, 1976 and 2003 - could be left in the lurch by the 2016 heatwave.

All of these years recorded extremely hot temperatures for extended periods of time.

A similar trend, as suggested by some weather models, would see records of 35.6C in June 1976, 36.7C in July 2015 and 38.5C in August 2003 tumble.

Yes, June will be 'flaming,' say forecasters

(Image: Alan Lewis- PhotopressBelfast.co.uk)

Piers Corbyn, forecaster for WeatherAction, said Britain is heading towards a “tremendous dry, warm and sunny flaming June”.

He said: “We are forecasting a tremendous dry warm sunny ‘Flaming June’ for most of the month.

“The start will be dry, warm or hot, with sunny, blue skies.

“Some great weather is on the way.”

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