Summer gets off to uncertain beginning

YESTERDAY may have been more of a brolly than a barbie day but it was the official first day of summer according to some.

However, for others summer “officially” starts on the day of the summer solstice — June 21 or 22.

Though Bank Holiday Monday was bright and fairly sunny it wasn’t a lazy, hazy summer’s day by any means. And Met Eireann have confirmed we are unlikely to get too many chances to hit the beach in the next week as the outlook is unsettled with plenty of wind and rain.

Meteorologist David Rogers said: “Heavy rain is likely across the country this afternoon, evening and into the night. Winds will be southerly gusting to between 80 and 100 kilometres per hour. Strong winds and showers will continue tomorrow with highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees.

“In some parts of the country, the weather could pick up slightly as the week progresses but on the whole, the risk of rain will continue until the weekend.”

A hail shower lasting several minutes yesterday marked the first day of summer in Donegal town.