Many of us weather whingers were delighted to get some thunder storms to break up the recent humidity.

But the mercury is showing no signs of lowering as tomorrow is set to be the hottest day of the year so far.

Typically, the scorching temperatures are set to sizzle as high as 26 degrees just as the students start their State exams.

Thousands of Irish schoolchildren sit for the first day of the Leaving and Junior Certificate tomorrow - and the classroom windows will most definitely be open.

Some scattered showers will continue as an afterthought to the recent thunder and lightning today and tomorrow - but it will be mostly dry over Wednesday and Thursday.

However, don't let the heat fool you - it doesn't look like we'll escape more of that persistent rain that has battered Europe over the last week.

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According to Met Eireann, heavy rain will develop on Thursday night in the west and southwest and extend countrywide over the weekend.

Unsettled, cloudy and fresher weather can be expected Friday, Saturday and Sunday as temperatures drop to as low as 17 degrees in parts.

Online Editors