Temps could hit 20s next week in rare sun blast weather forecast for Ireland

An area of high pressure looks like bringing so much-needed sun to Ireland next week with the possibility of temperatures reaching the low 20s, according to forecasts.

In their outlook for next week, Met Éireann say "high pressure is signalled to bring warmer and more settled conditions nationwide."

Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel says more settled conditions could arrive by midweek next week, adding, "by the end of next week, maybe Thursday or Friday, we could see temperatures reaching up to the low 20s in some parts, so potentially the first taste of summer."

Between now and then, we're stuck with unsettled weather with rain, mist and fog at times. 

Met Éireann says Friday will be "cloudy and misty with scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle in many areas, some hill and coastal fog possible too. The best of the driest conditions and sunny spells today will be in Ulster and southwest Munster. Highest temperatures of 11 to 19 degrees, warmest in Ulster. Breezes will be light and southwesterly or variable in direction.

"Further scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle [tonight]. Some areas of mist and fog too. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 11 degrees, coolest in the southwest, where some clear spells may develop. Breezes will be light and southwest to west or variable in direction."

Their forecast continues: "Saturday will be another mostly cloudy and misty day with scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle, most prevalent across the North and East. The best of the sunny spells in the southwest. Highest temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees with a light southwest to west breeze.

"Rain and drizzle will affect parts of the East and North [Saturday night], while staying drier elsewhere. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 10 degrees, coolest under clearer skies across the southwest of Munster.

"Cloudy with patchy outbreaks of rain, turning heavy locally [on Sunday]. Some warm sunny breaks will develop in places too. Highest temperatures of 12 to 17 degrees, all sunshine dependent with light variable mainly northwesterly breezes.

"A brighter day [Monday] overall with a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, but with some sharp ones possible across Leinster later. Highest temperatures of 13 to 18 degrees, in a light to moderate northerly breeze with best values further south."