Ireland is to enjoy weather as warm as sunny hotspots Spain and Portugal this week – with temperatures set to reach 18 degrees. Originally, temperatures were forecast to peak at 16C this week, but Met Eireann has now officially upgraded its prediction to 18C, putting Ireland ahead of popular destinations including Madrid and Albufeira.
Met Éireann have upgraded their temperatures for the week, with experts warning that some parts of the country could feel as hot as 32 degrees in direct sunlight, cautioning of a ‘mini heatwave.’
The forecaster’s outlook for this week, as well as the monthly forecast for April, May and June, all indicate that summer has arrived early and will be set to stay.
The current heat is due to a high-pressure system over the country which generally brings dry weather with plenty of blue skies and sunshine with a lack of rainfall, making them a key factor for a ‘mini-heatwave’. Southearterly winds currently affecting Ireland are also pushing warm air from the continent, giving a boost to temperatures – with the west of Ireland set to experience the highest temperatures due to the direction of the wind.
Wednesday and Thursday will feature long-sunny spells in spring-like conditions – while temperatures are predicted to reach 17 on Thursday, and 18 on Friday. However, temperatures are expected to feel much warmer – up to 32C in some places.
Meanwhile, showers and winds over the coming days are expected to be light and concentrated in southern coastal areas.
Current indications suggest that the sunny weather will remain largely settled for the weekend.