Met Eireann's early Ireland summer weather forecast: Are heatwaves or desperate rain on the way?

Met Eireann's latest long-range forecast shows that Ireland's weather is set to be a mixed bag as summer approaches.

Early indications for conditions until the end of May show that while rain is on the way, the weather could take a turn for the better within weeks.

Low pressure will likely dominate over the next three weeks, bringing with it above average rainfall.

READ MORE: Met Eireann forecasts 'mini heatwave' as warning issued over 'high risk' conditions

However, by mid to late May, mild air will move over Ireland at times, meaning above average temperatures are possible.

Here is Met Eireann's long-range forecast for the next 30 days:

Week 1: 25 April to 1 May

The last week in April will be dominated by an anticyclone, which will be centred between Iceland and Scandinavia. It will bring a mainly easterly airflow over Ireland with moderate northeast breezes. It will be mainly dry apart from a few showers in the south. Day time temperatures will be slightly above normal. The nights will be quite cold, but will be mostly frost-free.

Week 2: 2 May to 8 May

For the first week in May, temperatures will be around average for early May. Rainfall amounts will be slightly above average, but there will be some decent dry periods also. No extreme weather expected.

People enjoying the good weather on Portmarnock Beach (Collins)

Week 3: 9 May to 15 May

For week three of the forecast period, there will be a low pressure anomaly, with the low pressure mainly to the west of Ireland. This suggests that we’ll see rain or showers at times feeding in from the west and south with above average rainfall. Some of the showers may be heavy. Temperatures will be around average.

Week 4: 16 May to 22 May

Week 4 of the monthly forecast suggests a low pressure anomaly to the west and southwest of Ireland. It suggests that mild, topical air will move in over Ireland at times. So, it looks like being mild and humid at times with above average rainfall and above average temperatures. However, severe weather is unlikely.

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