Ireland could be set for another heat wave as temperatures tipped to climb again

Ireland’s recent heatwave may be over, but forecasters are already keeping an eye on the potential return of much warmer weather next week.

After a dramatic end to June that saw temperatures climb above 30 degrees in some parts of the country before thunderstorms, hail and heavy downpours swept across many areas, conditions have turned cooler and more unsettled for the start of July.

A mix of cloud, drizzle and outbreaks of rain are expected over the coming days but weather models are indicating that high pressure could begin to build once again during the middle of next week, increasing the chances of drier, sunnier and warmer weather returning.

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Carlow Weatherman Alan O’Reilly said to expect highs of 26 degrees in some parts this week but a mixed weekend is ahead.

Meanwhile, Met Éireann have given their five-day-forecast adding that current indications are for high pressure to become more dominant early next week

Today

Mostly cloudy this afternoon with outbreaks of rain and drizzle spreading eastwards, but many eastern and southern areas are likely to stay largely dry. A further band of rain will push in from the northwest during the evening, gradually extending southeastwards over the country later this evening.

Becoming breezy with fresh and gusty southwest winds developing, strong at times in the west and northwest. Highest temperatures of 16 to 21 degrees, warmest in Leinster and Munster.

Cloudy at first tonight with rain and drizzle, becoming patchier as it gradually clears eastwards with some clear spells developing later. Lowest temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees as fresh and gusty southwest to west winds ease through the night.

Thursday

Largely dry tomorrow with a mix of cloud and sunny spells. A few showers will occur, mainly in the northwest where it will be cloudiest. Highest temperatures ranging from 15 degrees in the northwest to 22 degrees in the south and southeast in light to moderate westerly breezes, fresher at times along northern coasts.

Cloud will build through the night with a few spots of light rain or drizzle developing but staying dry and mostly clear in the south and east. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 13 degrees in mostly light west or southwest breezes.

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Friday

Largely cloudy with limited sunny spells, the best of which will be in the south and east. Some light rain and drizzle at times, most frequent in the northwest. Highest temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees over the northwestern half of the country, ranging 20 to 24 degrees further south and east, all in light to moderate southwesterly breezes.

Clear spells at times in the south and east on Friday night but generally cloudy with patchy rain and drizzle. Mild and humid with temperatures not falling below 13 to 16 degrees in light to moderate southwest to west winds.

Saturday and Sunday

Indications are for largely cloudy days with patchy rain and drizzle, most frequent in the northwest where it will be coolest. The best of the sunny spells will be in the south and east where it will be warmest.

Highest temperatures of 16 to 21 degrees generally but reaching up to 23 or 24 degrees in the southeast, all in mostly moderate, occasionally fresh southwest to west winds.