Ireland is set for a major weather U-turn as the ‘tropical’ conditions it has been enjoying this weekend gives way to heavy rain and gusty winds.
However it’s due to remain mild, with Met Eireann forecasting the humid conditions will remains over the coming days.
The warm weather could give way to thunderstorms, with the national forecaster saying that on Monday “some showers will be heavy with the potential for thundery downpours”.
READ MORE: Ireland weather: Expert's latest storm forecast pinpoints arrival of heavy rain and strong winds
The weather body added: "Though there is uncertainty in the details of this rainfall, rainfall warnings cannot be ruled out, particularly in the west and south where accumulations are expected to be highest."
But before then the country will enjoy a dry, sunny and warm day that could even be the warmest day of the year so far.
Highs of 20C are forecast and if they go just a bit higher they could break this year’s record of 20.6C which was recorded on May 8.
Giving details about what to expect today, Met Eireann said: “Any mist and fog will clear on Sunday morning, leaving a mostly dry day with sunny spells. There will be scattered showers though, mainly over the eastern half of the country. Turning cloudier in the south and east through the day with the best of the sunny spells in the west. Highest temperatures of 16C to 20C, but cooler along east and southeast coasts in a light to moderate east to southeast breeze.
“A dry start to the night for most but cloud will increase from the south early on with showery rain spreading northwards over the country, turning heavy at times. Some mist and fog patches will develop in light to moderate southeasterly winds. A mild and humid night with temperatures not falling below 10C to 13C.”
Monday will see a big change with the national forecaster warning of the potential for thunderstorms.
Its latest forecast reads: “A wet start tomorrow with showery rain in many areas, turning heavy at times. Through the morning and early afternoon, the rain will clear northwards to sunny spells and scattered showers. Some showers will be heavy with the potential for thundery downpours. A humid day with highest temperatures of 16C to 20C in moderate to fresh southerly winds.”
Looking ahead to Tuesday, it continued: “Outbreaks of rain will clear northwards on Tuesday morning but another spell of rain will quickly follow from the south. The rain will become widespread and heavy through the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 14C to 17C in moderate to fresh southerly winds, easing light to moderate in the afternoon.”
Looking ahead to the rest of the week, it predicted: “Remaining unsettled for the remainder of the week with spells of rain and showers. Temperatures will return closer to average.”
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