Ireland has been basking in a glorious ‘mini-heatwave’ with temperatures hotter than many parts of Spain.
Today was the warmest day of the year so far, as the mercury climbed as high as 29C in some areas.
Over the past few weeks, the country enjoyed wall-to-wall sunshine alongside the sweltering heat.
READ MORE: Ireland lightning tracker LIVE: Thunderstorm map tracks next strikes amid ominous Met Eireann alert
But now the good weather is being interrupted by occasional thundery showers.
Met Eireann issued a new thunderstorm weather warning on Tuesday for 17 counties - Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Cavan, Donegal, Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly and Westmeath.
The Status Yellow alert is in place until 9pm with the national forecaster saying: “Localised slow-moving showers with heavy downpours, thunderstorms and the chance of hail. Possible impacts: Localised spot flooding and difficult travel conditions.”
Forecasters predict further storms and downpours through the rest of this week, while temperatures are set to remain in the mid-to-high 20s.
Giving its verdict on when the ‘mini-heatwave’ will end, Met Eireann confirmed that temperatures will remain “well above average” for the rest of this week.
Looking ahead to next week (June 19 to June 25) in its monthly forecast, it said “those warmer than average conditions will be maintained nationwide”.
For the final week of June (June 26 to July 2), it predicted: “Once again, temperatures will be warmer than normal nationwide.”
The meteorological agency has pinpointed the week of July 3 to July 9 as the exact date the hot weather is forecast to fade - however, not by much.
While it admitted “confidence is low” at this stage, it said: “Current indications suggest that an easterly airflow will persist across the country with temperatures remaining just above the norm.”
In the meantime, Ireland can expect sizzling daytime temperatures and mild, muggy nights with scattered heavy downpours or thunderstorms.
Ireland weekly weather forecast
Tuesday
Met Eireann said: “Very warm and humid today with sunny spells and scattered heavy showers. Some heavy downpours and thunderstorms expected in parts of the midlands and west during this afternoon and evening with spot flooding and hail likely. Top temperatures of 22C to 27C with light winds.
“A muggy night tonight with heavy showers early on in the west beginning dying out. Dry and clear in many areas with some mist and fog forming. Temperatures not falling below 13C to 16C with a light easterly or variable breeze.”
Wednesday
The national forecaster continued: “Very warm tomorrow with temperatures reaching 22C to 27C for most, slightly less warm along coasts exposed to the light to moderate southeast breeze. Good spells of hazy sunshine although scattered heavy downpours or thunderstorms will develop in the afternoon and evening, mostly in the west with some hail possible and spot flooding.
“Wednesday night will be a very mild night with temperatures of 12C to 15C and very light, mainly southeasterly, breezes. Lingering showers in the west will die out with a dry night for many. Turning misty with some fog patches.”
Thursday
The meteorological agency said: “Thursday will be another very warm day with sunny spells and scattered showers. Some showers may be heavy with possible thunderstorms likely to develop during the day. The bulk of these showers are likely to be over the Midlands and west of the county with the potential for spot flooding locally. Highs largely between 22C and 26C with little to no wind aside from sea breezes keeping some coastal fringes slightly less warm.”
Friday and the weekend
Its forecast concluded: “Some showers are expected to move into the south of the country on Thursday night and will then move up over Ireland during Friday with some heavy or thundery downpours in parts. The showers won't be quite as intense as in recent days but they will be more widespread and will likely affect eastern parts too. Not quite as warm with more cloud around but some sunny spells at times too. Highs of 19C to 24C, in a light to moderate southeasterly breeze.
“South to southeasterly breezes continuing to feed up warm or very warm and unsettled weather for the weekend with temperatures into the low 20s generally. There will be sunny spells mixed in with sharp showers.”
READ NEXT:
- Met Éireann issues urgent weather warning for 23 counties as horrendous conditions replace heatwave
Irish teacher who died after falling from balcony in Thailand named as Cork man
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
