Ireland weather: Exact date glorious sunshine to return as Met Eireann gives 'heatwave' verdict

People enjoying the good weather in Dublin (file photo)

Ireland is set to bask in glorious sunshine for at least five days, weather maps indicate.

Met Eireann’s forecast predicts temperatures soaring to 17C on Sunday – more than double the April average of 8C

The welcome weather change is thanks to a massive area of high pressure settling in. High and low pressure systems cause day-to-day changes in Ireland’s conditions. In general, high pressure during the spring and summer tends to bring fine, warm weather that can lead to sunny days and prolonged dry spells.

Providing an insight on the upcoming weather, the national forecaster said: “The trend for much lower than average rainfall will persist with an elongated area of high pressure likely to stretch from the Norwegian Sea as far south as the Azores. Mean temperatures will be around or slightly above normal for mid to late April. No impactful weather is expected at this stage owing to this fairly quiet set-up. Confidence is reasonably good at this stage.”

While the weather promises to be warmer and drier, it’s unlikely to be classified as an official heatwave. Heatwaves are often defined as five days of consecutive above average temperatures, but Ireland’s meteorological service previously told the Irish Mirror: “That is a working definition used by some other met offices, but the Met Eireann definition of a heatwave is five consecutive days of temperatures above 25C.”

Weather models indicate that the dry spell will begin on Saturday and last for at least five days, promising predominantly dry and mild conditions, albeit with occasional drizzle.

Breaking down the weather day by day, the national forecaster continued: “Patchy rain and drizzle Wednesday with clearer weather developing later. Highest temperatures 8C to 12C, with light to moderate northwesterly breezes. Mainly dry Wednesday night with clear spells. Lowest temperatures 0C to 5C, coldest in the north, with light variable winds

“A little patchy rain tomorrow, Thursday, most persistent in the north, best of any sunny spells in the morning. Highest temperatures 9C to 14C in a light to moderate westerly wind, increasing fresh at times. Staying largely cloudy Thursday night with further patches of light rain or drizzle feeding in from the north. Lowest temperatures of 6C to 9C in a light to moderate west to northwest wind.

“Starting mostly cloudy Friday with patches of light rain or drizzle but sunny spells will improve later in the day. Highest temperatures of 10C to 14C with light to moderate northwest winds. Dry Friday night with long clear spells and light winds. Lowest temperatures of 1C to 6C.

“Most areas will be dry on Saturday with some sunshine at times. Becoming cloudier in the west through the day. Highest temperatures of 11C to 15C with light southerly or variable winds. Dry Saturday night with clear spells and light winds. Lowest temperatures of 2C to 7C.

“Sunday is looking mostly dry with sunshine at times. Highest temperatures of 13C to 17C with light easterly winds.”

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.