Ireland recorded its warmest day of the year so far on Thursday as thermometers soared to 21.6C.
Met Eireann says that record could be broken again this weekend as temperatures skyrocket.
It comes as the area of high pressure which has brought fine conditions to Ireland over the past few days is forecast to extend into June.
READ MORE: Celine Dion cancels entire tour including Irish concerts as 'human statue' condition deteriorates
The national forecaster says it will continue to dominate Ireland’s weather for the rest of this week - and the current signal is for this to continue through next week too. This means lots of settled weather with warm, dry and sunny conditions.
It said: “Ireland’s weather for the end of May and first week of June looks set to be dominated by a large and expansive area of high pressure bringing generally dry and settled conditions. An easterly air-flow is forecast as the high pressure system becomes centred to the north of Ireland. Mean air temperatures are forecast be above average nationwide, especially in the west. Rainfall totals are forecast to be well below normal countrywide with mainly dry conditions apart from the odd shower.”
While most of the country will enjoy sizzling temperatures, Met Eireann says there is one area that will be “somewhat less warm”.
Giving the reason why temperatures will be cooler in eastern areas, it explained: “Eastern coastal areas will be somewhat less warm as a relatively cool sea-breeze develops keeping maximum temperatures in the mid to high teens there.”
Weather maps highlight the crimson-marked high pressure moving over Ireland and sticking around for at least another week.
Giving a day-by-day breakdown of the upcoming weather, a forecaster said: “Staying dry for the rest of Friday with some sunny spells, the best of which will be in the south. Highest temperatures of 17C to 21C in light northeasterly breezes.
“Mainly dry Saturday with sunny spells, the best of which will be in the southern half of the country. Just isolated outbreaks of light rain or drizzle, initially affecting Connacht and Ulster, and gradually moving southeastwards as the day goes on. Highest temperatures of 18C to 21C in light northerly or variable breezes
“A cooler day Sunday with highs generally between 14C and 18C, although temperatures may struggle to reach the teens in the north. Light or moderate northeast winds. Mainly dry and quite cloudy with the chance of a shower in the south. Turning mostly sunny later in the afternoon.
“Good sunny spells Monday with just a little cloud building during the day. Highs between 17C to 20C or 21C, warmest over the western half of the country and coolest along the eastern coast with a light to moderate easterly wind.
“A sunny day Tuesday with a light or moderate easterly wind. Somewhat cool along the east coast but warm further to the west, with highs ranging 15C to 20C or 21C.
“Little change in the further outlook, likely continuing mostly dry with an easterly airflow. Coolest in the east with highs in the mid to high teens. Warmest in the west, with temperatures around 20C or higher.”
READ NEXT:
- Dundalk woman found face down in blood named as gardaí identify 'person of interest' in murder probe
- GAA accused of 'losing the plot' over decision to put matches behind GAAGO paywall
- RTE star Tommy Tiernan and wife share €1.2 million pay packet amid chat show and podcast success
- Householders told to 'conserve' water amid ongoing warm and dry spell of weather
- Man set to be sentenced for €1.5m drugs find claims he suffered 'breakdown' after gangster brother's death
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
