Prepare to sizzle as the heatwave to last all week

However, those looking to cool off at the beach at Sandymount Strand will be disappointed to hear that the ban on bathing is still in place. Last Wednesday, it was announced that water samples did not comply with quality standards, and a temporary prohibition on swimming was put in place by Dublin City Council.

A spokesperson for the council said that a second sample, taken on Friday, indicated that it did not comply with the minimum standard set down for bathing waters and "accordingly Dublin City Council has erected notices at Sandymount Strand prohibiting swimming on a temporary basis".

A further sample of bathing water was taken yesterday and the results will be available tomorrow at which stage the situation will be re-assessed and a further update issued.

The temperature is expected to rise to the mid-twenties today and, according to Met Eireann meteorologist Harm Luijkx, this is set to continue for the next three to four days.

COAST

"As usual it will be cooler along the coast but there should be highs of 24C to 25C further inland in Dublin," said Mr Luijkx.

A heatwave is classified as five consecutive days of temperatures over 25 degrees, and although Mr Luijkx said this would be unlikely this week, Leinster is expected to enjoy the best of the warm spell.

There is a risk of scattered showers through the week but this is more likely in west Connacht and southwest Munster.

"The nights will be quite close and humid as well with temperatures of 15C to 18C, which can pose a problem for some," added the forecaster.

However, temperatures will begin to cool at the weekend and heavy showers will also be a possibility then.

The mild weather will be perfect for the open-air cinema night at the Irish Museum of Modern Art's 'Summer Rising Festival.'

The Kilmainham venue will host a screening of Labyrinth this Thursday. The musical fantasy flick will begin at 9.30pm.

hnews@herald.ie