The good weather is not expected to last for the weekend with rain and cooler conditions forecast to take hold from Saturday.
Following highs of 25 degrees in places and largely dry conditions, the situation will deteriorate significantly in the south and west heading into Sunday with temperatures set to drop by 10 degrees in places.
Friday will bring more warm air with temperatures to remain above 20 degrees nationwide, although it will be cooler in coastal areas, and dry conditions throughout apart from a few spots of rain in Cork.
However, a band of rain is set to approach from the south on Friday night, bringing heavier showers as it moves northeast across the country. It will clear most areas by midday on Saturday with temperatures staying at around 20 degrees in the north and east, but drizzle will continue in Munster.
Sunday will bring the worst weather with rain expected to affect all parts over the course of the day, starting in the north and west before gradually working its way down to the midlands by evening. It will be a cool day, with averages of 13 or 14 degrees in many areas and highs of 17 degrees expected in the east.
Winds will remain slack over coming days, and although temperatures are expected to recover somewhat heading into next week, the rain looks like it’s here to stay for a while.