It’s been a long time coming, but Ireland may have a taste of summer this week.

Temperatures are due to rise in the coming days, while rain dies out and sunny spells break through as the week progresses.

According to Met Éireann, today will be a generally cloudy day, with short bursts of sunshine and some light showers. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 18 degrees.

The forecaster said: “Rain and drizzle, on the southwest coast around lunchtime, will extend through Munster and Connacht this afternoon and remaining areas later this evening.”

This will lead into a mild, humid night, with fog and drizzle in some parts of the country.

Temperatures will climb as high as 20 degrees tomorrow, where Leinster, Munster and south Connacht can expect sunny spells. Cloudy, damp conditions will be confined to the north and northwest in the afternoon.

It will continue to be warm on Wednesday, with temperatures staying between 18 and 20 degrees. Met Éireann said it would be a “mild, breezy day” with “moderate to fresh southerly winds in Atlantic coastal areas.

“Some dry, bright spells, best in central and eastern parts of the country, with a little sunshine breaking through in places.”

Rain and drizzle is expected to break through in western areas on Wednesday evening.

Thursday will offer much of the same, though temperatures will drop to 18 degrees and winds will pick up. It is expected to be generally dry, though light rain will fall in some parts of the country.

While Friday will be mixed day with some rain and cloudy weather, the weekend is set to pick up once again with highs of 21 degrees and very little rain. Winds will ease up, making for a bright, pleasant weekend.

Online Editors