Northern Ireland is set to miss out on a heatwave affecting other parts of the UK this week, although temperatures are still expected to reach the mid-20s.

On the other hand, Northern Ireland is set to avoid thunderstorms on Thursday that are expected to sweep across England and Wales, where the mercury is set to soar above 30C.

Met Office forecaster Tom Morgan said: “Northern Ireland is not going to really see the effects of the heatwave, but we should see temperatures in the low-20s and might even squeak out a high of 24C on Thursday.

“That’s not quite reaching the threshold of 25C or higher for three consecutive days. But it is going to be a relatively pleasant week, so it’s not a write-off.”

The meteorologist said the hottest temperatures are expected in eastern areas, including counties Antrim, Down and Armagh.

A mixture of sunshine and cloud is predicted on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing temperatures of 21C.

Sunny intervals will continue on Thursday and Friday, with temperatures returning to around 20C by the end of the week.

Meanwhile, a spectacular meteor shower named Delta Aquariids was expected to be visible in all six counties by 4am on Tuesday as skies cleared.

Up to 25 meteors an hour were anticipated to whiz across the sky between midnight and dawn when the Delta Aquariids peaked.

“Western counties have the best chance of seeing any meteors in the early hours,” Mr Morgan said.

“There will be more cloud in eastern parts. However, most places should have clear skies by 4am, so it’s worth having a look shortly before then no matter where you are.”

Yellow heat health warnings have been issued across most of England by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

All areas of England, except the North East and North West, have been included in the warning, which is in place until Wednesday.

The UKHSA warned that expected hot weather may have “significant impacts” on the health and social care sector across the South East and London, with minor impact elsewhere.

A yellow warning is also in place for for thunderstorms for England and Wales as surface water flooding and gusty conditions are expected on Thursday.

Mr Morgan said it should be a lot brighter in Northern Ireland despite July being a “very dull” month with “fairly typical” temperatures.

“We are sitting at about 0.5C below the monthly average,” the weather expert said.

“It’s been slightly drier than usual, which people might find hard to believe.

“Rainfall is at 85% of what you would expect, but there are still [two] days left, with some showers possible at night, so we might get closer to 100%.

“It’s been quite a dull month, with sunshine levels sitting at 68% of the long-term average.”

Looking ahead into next month, the forecaster said things will remain changeable, adding: “That means there will still be cloud and showers around.

“But there will be some warm sunshine too, so it’s not all doom and gloom.

“Temperatures should be around average for the first week of August.”