A heatwave will sizzle Dublin this week - but a weather expert has warned that April may bring a cold spell.
The mercury is set to hit highs of 18 degrees in some parts of the country today with clear skies across the country.
Weather expert Alan O'Reilly, who runs the Carlow Weather twitter account, told Morning Ireland the pleasant weather will stay for the weekend.
Read more: Met Eireann Ireland weather forecasts glorious sunny spells as temperatures to soar
He said: "It is going to last into the weekend which is what most people are worried about.
"There will be localised temperatures of up to 16 or 17 degrees and still lots of sunshine.
"There will be some cloud about, it won't be clear blue skies for everybody but the good settled weather will hold into early next week."
The hottest temperatures will be recorded in the midlands with things set to be a bit cooler along the south and east coast.
Alan O'Reilly said: "The warmest at the moment will be in the midlands because we have a south-south east breeze.
"Down along the south coast and the east coast will be that little bit cooler.
"As you head further inland that is where the highest temperatures will be seen."
He added: "Temperatures should get up to 16 to 17 degrees widely, but locally then could go over 18 degrees today."
"It is not going to be a record breaker but it is well above average."
However, the weather could turn ugly for April Fool's Day.
Mr O'Reilly warned: "It does look like we could trend back to colder weather back in April so I wouldn't be putting away the big coats or the jumpers just yet."
Read more: Met Eireann Ireland weather forecast mini heatwave set to continue as temperatures reach high teens
Read more: Met Eireann Ireland weather forecast mini-heatwave to continue with dramatic temperature swing
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