Break out the sunglasses as summer returns

Alan O'Keeffe

SLIP on the suncream: summer is finally here. A "mini-heatwave" is expected in all areas in the coming days.

T-shirts, shorts and sunglasses can finally be brought out as temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-20s by Friday.

The dry warm weather will be making a welcome return to most regions after several weeks of below-average temperatures.

A Met Eireann forecaster said today: "Temperatures will recover dramatically. You could call it a mini-heatwave compared to what we've been through in recent weeks."

Tomorrow will be a warm with sunny spells, with temperatures hitting 21C in many parts, although the west and south coasts are expected to stay cloudy with patchy rain.

By Thursday, the dry and sunny weather will have spread to all parts of the country, and it will be warm everywhere.

Friday will be the warmest day of the week with afternoon temperatures reaching the low to mid twenties in western and central parts.

This could spark the odd thundery shower later. In eastern and southern parts, it will be a bit less warm as winds pick up, and there is a risk of sea fog on the east coast.

The dry and sunny weather is likely to continue into the weekend, with easterly winds persisting. Forecasters said it will probably turn a bit cooler, with afternoon temperatures in the mid to high teens.

aokeeffe@herald.ie