The elusive Irish summer has arrived with Met Éireann expecting temperatures across the country to reach 25 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday.
After a warm Monday, Tuesday started out cloudy with a risk of showers in the afternoon. However, later in the day forecasters expect temperatures to hit between 22-25 degrees across the east of the country with temperatures in the west and south around 18-20 degrees.
Wednesday looks set to be a scorcher with temperatures across the country expected to reach 25 degrees.
Forecaster Klara Finkele said temperatures would remain in the late teens and early 20s before warmer weather rises up from the Bay of Biscay on Wednesday and Thursday.
However, she warned that high levels of humidity would bring a risk of thunderstorms and heavy downpours.
“Weather from the Bay of Biscay tends to be quite unstable, it’s warm and very moisture laden so we’re certainly going to keep an eye on the rain,” she said.
“Warm air holds more humidity and moisture so it can lead to heavy downpours.”
Met Éireann anticipates Thursday will be a little cooler with some scattered showers but temperatures should remain around the low 20s.
The UK is also set to enjoy the warm weather, with a “Spanish plume of hot air” moving north, bringing temperatures up into the early 30s.
Take care
The Irish Cancer Society has urged people to take care in the sun, particularly the elderly and young children.
Parents are advised to dress babies under six months in loose-fitting clothes with long sleeves and to keep them in the shade as much as possible.
Children should wear hats and sun glasses in the sunshine and use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours.
Adults are also advised to spend time in the shade, wear a hat and sunglasses, and to use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
Pets should be kept well hydrated during the spell of hot weather.
Kathrina Bentley of Dogs Trust Ireland warned against travelling with your pet in the car.
“Don’t drive with your animal in the car. It’s the equivalent of keeping them in the oven as their fur keeps the heat in longer. Keep lots of water bowls around the house and avoid exercising your pet between noon and 3pm as this is when the weather is warmest,” she said.
If you suspect your animal is overheating, soak a t-shirt in cold water and wrap your pet in it before taking it to the vet. Keep a small paddling pool in a shaded area of the garden to allow your pet to cool off.