IRELAND is gearing up for one of the hottest days on record today as temperatures look set to hit a sizzling 29C.
And weather chiefs confirmed a “very warm and hot day” is on the cards today with long spells of sunshine.
Highs of 29C are expected to hit Ireland today[/caption]
Some isolated showers may develop as the day goes on[/caption]
Lows of 12C to 17C are expected tonight[/caption]
But some isolated showers may develop as the day goes on, possibly becoming heavy at times.
Met Eireann’s Meteorologist Holly O’Neill said: “It is looking to be a lovely day with highs of 24C to 29C, the warmest of those being in the northern half of the country.
“And it will feel slightly milder in the south where highest temperatures will be 20 to 23C in a mainly light south to southeast breeze.
“Tonight we’ll stay mainly dry, with some lingering showers possible over parts of Ulster and Leinster.
“It will be mild, but temperatures not falling below 12C to 17C in the light or variable southerly breeze.”
Saturday will be warm with good sunny spells for most of the country and slightly cloudier conditions in the west.
But scattered showers will move in across the country, some heavy and possibly thundery at times.
And a heavier band of rain will move in off the Atlantic later Saturday night, bringing longer spells of rain.
It will be a mainly dry and clear night for most of the country with lingering showers over parts of the southwest and northeast on Saturday night.
Lows of 12C to 15C in a mainly light to moderate southwest breeze.
Sunday is set to be a bright start to the morning, but outbreaks of showery rain will move in from the west in the morning with sunny spells and scattered showers to follow.
Fresher and breezier than recent days with highest temperatures of 15C to 20C, warmest in the east, all with rather brisk westerly winds.
Isolated showers are expected to hit along southern and western coasts on Sunday night.
Lows of 9C to 12C in mainly moderate westerly winds.
Weather bosses added: “Any remaining rain and drizzle will move away early Sunday, leaving brighter spells to start off the morning.
“Showers will develop throughout the day but there will still be good spells of sunshine around.
“It will feel noticeably fresh and breezier than recent days with highest temperatures of 15Cto 20C.”
Met Eireann chiefs added: “As the UV index is high to very high over the next couple of days, it will be important to be sun smart and as always.
“If you are planning to be out in the water over the weekend, always think about water safety and plan ahead.”
Monday will have a bright start with isolated showers with highs of 13C to 18C.
