Ireland is finally set to swap raincoats for sunglasses as forecasters predict a major warm-up heading into the weekend — with temperatures expected to more than double in just a few days.
After a damp and dreary start to the week, Met Éireann says brighter, warmer conditions are on the horizon, with highs climbing from a chilly 8C overnight early in the week to a glorious 20C by Saturday.
And there could be even better news on the way.
Some weather models are already teasing temperatures in the mid-twenties next week, sparking hopes of an early taste of summer across the country.
While the coming days will still bring plenty of cloud, scattered showers and occasional drizzle, forecasters say conditions are steadily improving day by day.
Met Éireann said “an improving picture” is expected as the weekend approaches, with more sunshine and rising temperatures developing nationwide.
Weather expert Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather also hinted that Ireland could be in for a stunning end to the week.
“The upcoming weekend is starting to look good to possibly very good Sunday with sunshine and heat,” he said.
Tuesday will remain unsettled with outbreaks of rain, heavy showers and even the chance of isolated thunderstorms in places. Temperatures will reach between 12C and 17C during the day before dipping as low as 8C overnight.
Conditions improve slightly on Wednesday with more dry spells and brighter weather, especially across northern counties, as temperatures edge upwards to between 13C and 18C.
Thursday and Friday will stay mostly mild despite patchy rain and cloud, with highs continuing to climb — potentially reaching 20C in parts of Leinster and Ulster by Friday afternoon.
But it’s the weekend forecast that will have sun-starved Irish people reaching for the barbecue.
Saturday is expected to bring long sunny spells, mostly dry weather and pleasant temperatures ranging from 15C to 20C nationwide.
Sunday is shaping up to be even better, with forecasters predicting dry, sunny and warm conditions across much of the country.
Looking ahead to next week, temperatures may climb even further, with some parts of Ireland potentially seeing highs in the mid-twenties alongside extended sunny spells.
After weeks of gloomy skies and heavy showers, summer may finally be ready to make an appearance.
