Ireland is set to experience a late summer heatwave this week as temperatures have been forecast to reach glorious highs close to 30C by the weekend.
The hottest of the weather will arrive from Wednesday with Met Eireann warning of the potential impacts of the scorching heat.
And while the whole country is set to bask in the sunshine, the national forecaster has pinpointed the two areas likely to see the hottest of the conditions.
Inland counties and the south of Ireland will most likely see the warmest of the top temperatures and sunshine.
Met Eireann forecaster Joanna Donnelly said: "The whole country will experience a fine, settled spell of weather this week with high pressure in situ directly over the country.
"The highest temperatures are expected to be inland and in the south of the country. All areas will experience sunshine, light winds and temperatures of between 22 and 24 degrees."
Met Eireann are forecasting "uncomfortably high" temperatures and a weather advisory was issued on Sunday with the extreme weather to last until next week.
The notice says: "Ireland will experience a hot spell developing from Wednesday and continuing through the rest of the week and the weekend. Daytime temperatures will widely reach the mid to high twenties. Remaining uncomfortably warm overnight too. Updates will follow.
"Impacts; Heat stress, especially for the more vulnerable of the population, High Solar UV index, Risk of water related incidents."
A Met Eireann forecaster said: "Today will be dry with long sunny spells, turning a bit hazy at times. Highest temperatures of 18 to 23 degrees, warmest in the southeast. Light winds, westerly or variable.
"Dry with a good deal of hazy sunshine. Highest temperatures of 19 to 24 degrees, remaining warmest in the southeast. Light winds, westerly or variable."
But Wednesday is when the real heat will kick-in, the forecaster added: "Ongoing high pressure will keep our weather very settled for the rest of the week with dry conditions and a good deal of sunshine across the country. Temperatures will become very warm towards the weekend."
The current forecast anticipates 26C on Wednesday, 27C on Thursday and 28C on Friday before an even warmer weekend.
READ NEXT:
Man killed in Drumcondra shooting may have lain there for days as Garda probe continues
Pilot arrested during €8.4m cocaine seizure was wearing bling €5k watch
Funeral of tragic Sligo accident victim to take place on Monday as 'little angel' to be laid to rest
GAA club hails Dillon Quirke as hundreds attend vigil for late hurler ahead of funeral
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
