Ireland is heading for a hot and dry summer with a heatwave on the way, Met Eireann said this week.
The State forecaster warned in its outlook that this month, as well as July and August, looks set to be drier than average.
Experts also said the country might see more or less normal rainfall, but temperatures will be higher than usual.
Read More: Exact date Ireland’s heatwave ends as new warning issued amid sweltering heat
Met Eireann said: “The seasonal outlook for June, July and August for Ireland during summer is for above average temperatures with near average rainfall overall.
“Above average temperatures are very likely with the likelihood of above higher than normal values increasing as the season progresses.
“The mean temperatures are forecast to be between 0.5C and 1C above average countrywide.”
For the present, Met Eireann said the next 72 hours will bring the warmest days of the year so far.
Today’s 27C will be significantly above the 20C average.
The national weather service declares a heatwave when temperatures are at a minimum of 25C for five days running.
A heatwave could be declared by the weekend because that threshold was met each day this week with 26C to 27C expected today and tomorrow and 25C for Friday.
The warmest day of the year so far – 25.7C – was recorded at Shannon Airport on June 5 but presenter Nuala Carey yesterday revealed it is about to get much hotter.
Muggy nights where 15C temperature could make sleeping uncomfortable are likely over the coming days, while the UV Index and pollen count will be high.
The mass of warm air that is hanging over the country has caused the longest drought period for five years with all 25 of Met Eireann’s weather stations recording prolonged dry spells of between 15 and 26 days.
The North is under an all-county Status Yellow thunderstorm warning today from 12pm to 9pm.
In its extended range forecast, Met Éireann added: "The signal from the C3S seasonal models for Ireland during summer is for above average temperatures with near average rainfall overall.
"Above average temperatures are very likely for Ireland over the summer season with the likelihood of above average temperatures increasing as the season progresses. The mean temperatures are forecast to be between 0.5 and 1.0 °C above average countrywide.
"The rainfall signal is less certain, with an equal possibility of slightly above average rainfall or slightly below average rainfall over the three month period.
"The wettest part of the season is signalled for June, with July and August drier overall. The sea surface temperatures around the Irish coasts and over the Atlantic to the southwest and south of Ireland are very likely to continue above average over the three month period."
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