Ireland's hottest ever day is at risk of being broken in the next 48 hours with soaring temperatures to scorch the country.
Met Eireann are forecasting the mercury to be as high as 31C and 32C on Friday and Saturday with the chance of it getting even higher locally.
The highest currently recognised air temperature of 33.3 °C ever recorded was logged at Kilkenny Castle in 1887.
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And Carlow Weather expert Alan O'Reilly said there's a chance it gets broken in the next two days: "Latest temperature forecast for tomorrow and Saturday show increased chance of the all time August record of 31.5c being beaten with 32c on Met Éireann HARMONIE and 33c on UKV model. Either way it is going to be HOT!"
A weather warning is in place for the entire country from today until Sunday and Met Eireann are warning people to expect intense heat.
The forecaster said: "Today will be a hot, dry and sunny day with highest temperatures generally between 25 to 30 degrees, possibly reaching the low 30s in a few inland spots of Leinster or Munster. Not as warm near coasts, with sea breezes developing in the afternoon. Winds will be light elsewhere. Fog may linger in some coastal areas also.
"Another hot, sunny and dry day tomorrow with highest temperatures reaching 26 to 31 degrees, potentially hotter in a few parts of Leinster and Munster. There is the chance of an isolated shower developing. Generally light northeast winds but a sea breeze will develop, keeping temperatures slightly lower near coasts."
But a nasty surprise of thunderstorms on Sunday means the dry weather will come to an end soon, albeit still feeling very hot.
The forecaster added: "A dry and sunny start to Sunday but cloud will bubble up in some areas through the day, bringing heavy showers and the potential for some thundery downpours. Remaining very warm or hot with highest temperatures of 24 degrees in the northwest to 28 or 29 degrees in the southeast in light winds.
"Remaining hot for the rest of the weekend but temperatures will begin to fall back towards normal early next week. Heavy showers on Sunday, will mark a change to more changeable conditions next week."
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