Clocks to go back as autumn weather takes hold

As the leaves keep dropping and the air becomes cooler, Northern Ireland is preparing to fully embrace autumn with the clock changes next weekend.

At 2:00 AM BST on October 27, clocks will be set back by one hour, giving lots of people an extra hour to sleep.

Nonetheless, it also marks the gradual arrival of shorter daylight hours and extended nights leading up to the winter solstice on December 21.

The winter solstice is often referred to as the day with the least amount of daylight, signifying the 24-hour period when sunlight is at its minimum.

The shift in time has its origins in a long-standing tradition that aims to take advantage of available daylight during the winter season.

The aim is to bring more light to the mornings during the darker months by moving an hour of daylight from the evening to the morning.

Nevertheless, although the idea of gaining an additional hour of sleep is enticing, this shift can still interfere with sleep routines for a lot of people.

When it comes to the weather, fall is beginning to show its influence throughout the island.

At this time of year, Ireland generally experiences cooler temperatures, with average highs ranging from 10°C to 14°C.

Rainy days are common, and the winds can become quite strong, particularly near the coastlines.

As we progress further into the season, October typically brings cloudier weather and the chance of chilly mornings, along with the occasional storm front coming in from the Atlantic.

Changing the clocks can give us a bit more sunlight in the morning, but it also means that sunsets will occur earlier. This will make our evenings seem longer, inviting us to enjoy warm and snug nights at home.

As fall is now in full effect, it's the perfect moment to get ready for the upcoming chillier and darker days.

Whether you're wrapping up in cozy layers for a refreshing walk in the countryside or enjoying a hot beverage while the rain splatters against the window, the shift in the clock signals that winter is almost here.