Hotter than the Sahara
Temperatures in parts of the country reached nearly 25C yesterday, which was two degrees hotter than in Laghouat in the Algerian Sahara.
Any fog or mist will clear quickly this morning, with inland Munster getting the hottest weather, although temperatures will only hit 17C on the province’s coast.
Leinster can also expect a good day, with highs varying from 18C to 22C, while Dublin is expected to reach 20C.
Meanwhile, the north-west of Connacht will peak at around 21C, but Met Éireann has warned there is some risk of isolated showers later in the west.
It will become cooler across the country tomorrow and Monday.
Newbridge, Co Kildare, led the way yesterday with a high of 24.9C.
Met Éireann’s stations at Ballyhaise, Mullingar and Oak Park, Co Carlow, basked in 24C, while Kilygordon, Co Donegal, peaked at 23.7C.
Temperatures topped the previous highest of the year, on April 21, when Shannon Airport hit 22.7C as the Easter heatwave peaked.
The first hot spell of summer put a smile on the nation’s face at the start of the bank holiday weekend as people rushed to beaches and parks to make the most of the sun.
“Friday broke the record for the hottest day of the year in Ireland, with good sunny spells across most of the country and temperatures of up to 24C or possibly 25C,” said Met Éireann meteorological officer John Hannon.
“Today will see similar weather as the holiday weekend gets under way, although a little cooler,” he said.
Independent forecaster Peter O’Donnell of Irish Weather Online said the warmest places were inland in the south and west.
He said these areas would have the best weather again today, with temperatures only slightly down, although there will be some cloud cover at times.
“Much of Ulster and north Leinster will see lower temperatures and some low cloud with 18C highs, due to north-east breezes increasing to 15mph to 25mph.
“Steady rain is possible in the North later in the day, moving down from western Scotland,” Mr O’Donnell said.
- Newbridge, Co Kildare — 24.9C.
- Roscrea, Co Tipperary — 24.6C.
- Oak Park, Co Carlow — 24.2C.
- Cork — 21C.
- Kerry — 20C.
