Sun worshippers returned to beaches across Northern Ireland on Sunday as high temperatures continued.

The region saw a new record high temperature on Saturday, according to the Met Office.

The mercury hit 31.2C in Ballywatticock close to Newtownards in Co Down at 3.40pm.

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

Ballywatticock’s new claim to fame was marked with the changing of a speed limit sign to reference the 31.2C temperature recorded in the tiny area on Saturday.

Beaches across Northern Ireland remained packed on Sunday as the public enjoyed the sun.

Police described traffic congestion in the popular coastal towns of Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn in Co Down. The road into Helen’s Bay was closed to all but residents on Sunday afternoon as crowds flocked to the beach.

On Friday NI Water urged the public to urgently reduce water usage to avoid shortages.

Director of customer operations Des Nevin said if the current demand continues, it will lead to failures in the system and some customers will lose supply or suffer low pressure.

The temperatures are expected to remain up to 27C in Northern Ireland over the coming week.

Sunday’s high temperatures mark the beginning of an official heatwave across the UK, as in London and the South East, temperatures must exceed 28C for at least three days to record a heatwave, and Sunday is the third day.