Temperatures set to rise to 30 degrees this week

Temperatures of up to 30 degrees are forecast this week as the second prolonged warm spell of the year takes hold.

Met Éireann says temperatures are set to be between the mid to high 20s for most of the week, with Thursday set to be a hot, humid day that could rise to 30 degrees in places.

Sunday was forecast to reach 24 degrees in parts of the west coast, with sunshine widespread across the island.

Monday could see a few spots of drizzle, with sunshine becoming more widespread as the day goes on.

While it will continue dry in most places, a few sharp thundery showers are possible, mainly in the south and east. Warm or very warm and humid with highest temperatures of 22 to 27 degrees.

Monday night will be clear and just light variable breezes. Another very mild night with temperatures not falling below 12 to 16 degrees.

Tuesday will be a little cloudier and possibly cooler across west and northwest counties, with isolated light showers possible. Mostly dry, warm and fairly sunny elsewhere though.

Highest temperatures will range from 21 to 27 degrees.

Wednesday will see sunny spells and just isolated light showers. Highest temperatures will generally range from the mid to high 20s.

Thursday will be a hot and humid day, with temperatures of 24 to 30 degrees in a light to moderate east to southeast wind.

The warm weather returns after May’s unusually early hot spell, which manifested in much of Europe as a severe heatwave. Ireland’s record for the hottest day was broken in “downright alarming” fashion by more than two degrees.

The previous high temperature record for May was 28.4 degrees, logged at Ardfert, Co Kerry, on May 31st, 1997. That was before the “unusually early” spell of heat from May 23rd-27th last.