Ireland’s ‘mini-heatwave’ is due to arrive within hours, bringing sizzling temperatures to the country for several days.
A Status Yellow ‘high temperature warning’ has been issued for the entire country from Sunday until Tuesday.
The alert warns daytime temperatures could reach 32C, while night time temperatures will not drop below 15C.
READ MORE: Met Eireann says seven counties could see dangerous heat in next four days as warnings issued
Met Eireann said: “On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday exceptionally warm weather will occur over Ireland with daytime temperatures of 25C to 30C generally and possibly up to 32C in places on Monday. Night time temperatures will range from 15C to 20C.”
The mercury is forecast to hit 26C today alongside mostly dry and sunny conditions.
The national forecaster has shared a weather map showing one county set to get the hottest weather.
The map pinpoints Co Offaly as the one area where temperatures could hit 26C.
It’s daily forecast also confirmed this news, as it says the midlands will be warmest.
There is bad news for other areas though, as Met Eireann says the north and north west could see rain today.
Its forecast for Saturday reads: “Today will be warm and mostly dry with a good deal of hazy sunshine. A few showers are possible in the north and northwest in the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 20C to 26C, warmest in the midlands, with light southerly or variable breezes.
“Dry for most tonight with just isolated showers, mainly towards the north of the country. There will be a few clear spells with light south to southeast winds. Nighttime temperatures staying warmer than average, falling to between 13C and 17C.”
The ‘mini-heatwave’ is due to kick off tomorrow as temperatures climb further.
Looking ahead to Sunday, the State meteorological service said: “Very warm and dry with widespread hazy sunshine. Highest temperatures of 23C to 27C, warmest in the midlands. South to southeast breezes, light to moderate in strength.
“A rather warm night with temperatures remaining between 15C and 17C. Dry and clear with just light southerly winds.”
Monday will be even hotter with 32C possible.
Met Eireann continued: “Hot conditions across most areas with temperatures widely 27C to 29C, but reaching 30C to 32C in some parts especially in central and eastern areas. Dry and mostly sunny with light southerly breezes, turning a little cloudier in some parts later in the day.
“Feeling very warm overnight with temperatures generally between 16C and 19C, but not falling below 20C in some parts. Some showers may affect western fringes but otherwise it will be dry and clear with light variable winds.”
The weather could break on Tuesday with thunderstorms possible.
Met Eireann said: “Very warm or hot again on Tuesday with temperatures reaching the high twenties, particularly over the eastern half of the country. Dry to start for many however showers may move into western areas, preventing temperatures from getting as high there.
“Heavy or thundery showers will spread northwards over the country later in the day and overnight. Light to moderate variable winds.”
Looking further ahead into the middle of next week, it continued: “A few showers will occur on Wednesday, but the showers generally light in nature with temperatures in the mid to high teens.”
The warm weather has not yet been officially declared a heatwave.
Heatwaves are often defined as five days of consecutive above average temperatures - but the Met Eireann definition of a heatwave is five consecutive days of temperatures above 25C.
READ NEXT:
- Australian tip for keeping your Irish house cool for free amid sweltering heat
- GAA fans all saying the same thing after tickets for All-Ireland hurling final put on general sale
- Two of blind mystic Baba Vanga's predictions for 2022 have already come true
- Woman fumes at house built so close to hers she can knock on neighbours door by opening her bathroom window
- Irish cinema worker sacked after playing wrong Matrix film to 'angry' movie-goers
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter .
