An ‘mini-heatwave’ could be on the cards for Easter weekend thanks to a plume of tropical air that’s wafting towards Ireland.
Met Eireann made the magnificent prediction in its monthly long-range forecast.
The good weather will be especially welcomed over the Easter bank holiday weekend, which will see many families making the most of their time off work and school.
Easter falls on Sunday, April 17 this year. Looking ahead to the week of April 15 to 21, the national forecaster said “there is a signal for some milder tropical air” that will be “milder” with “above average temperatures”.
A heatwave is defined as five consecutive days where maximum temperatures are five degrees above the average.
However, it is not all good news as the continental air that is forecast will also bring with it above average rainfall.
Met Eireann pinpointed the west and south of Ireland to be soaked the most.
Its full forecast for the week of April 15 to 21 reads: “In week 2 low pressure will continue to dominate but there is a signal for some milder tropical air to be introduced over the country, bringing with it above average rainfalls, with the highest amounts in the west and south.
“It will be milder and cloudy with above average temperatures and night frosts unlikely.”
In the meantime, the unsettled weather conditions Ireland has been experiencing is expected to continue throughout the week and weekend.
Met Eireann said it will be “generally cool and unsettled for the rest of the week, driest and calmest on Saturday”.
It’ll be a mixed bag tomorrow, with rain, hail and sleet forecast alongside some sunny spells.
Met Eireann said: “Thursday will bring a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, with a chance of hail or sleet on high ground. Highest temperatures of 7C to 10C in brisk west to northwest winds, again making for an added wind chill factor.
“Thursday night will be cold and clear, apart from some wintry showers along north and west coasts. Lowest temperatures of -2C to +2C with a touch of frost forming in just light northwesterly breezes.”
Looking ahead to the weekend, it continued: “A mix of sunny spells and scattered showers on Friday, with the chance of some wintry showers, mainly on hills and mountains. Highest temperatures of 6C to 9C in moderate northerly winds.
“Dry and sunny across much of the country on Saturday with just light variable breezes. Highest temperatures of 7C to 11C.
“Wet and windy for much of the day on Sunday with possible localised flooding. Southeasterly winds will be fresh to strong with highs of 12C to 14C.”
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter.
