Here comes the summer (at last): 24C spell forecast

IT’S time to dig out the barbecues again as balmy 24C sunshine is predicted for the country next week — 11C above normal for the time of year and almost matching 2011’s top temperature.

Forecasters dubbed the hot snap an Indian summer — although an Indian summer is actually a more sustained period of above-average temperatures in October or November.

The sunshine should cheer people up following the coldest summer since 1986 in some parts of the country, last week’s battering by the remnants of Hurricane Katia and forecasts for early winter snow.

Met Éireann said peak temperatures of just 14C to 16C from today until Monday will leap upwards from Tuesday — with rainfall also drying up.

Parts of Ireland will enjoy 18C sunny spells on Tuesday, nudge 20C on Wednesday and be up to 23C from Thursday into the weekend — although there will be showers to dodge in the West.

Irish Weather Online has predicted highs of up to 24C in inland areas of the south and east as high pressure builds from the Continent.

Temperatures are forecast to almost match the hottest day in Ireland this year — on June 3, when Oak Park, Co Carlow, hit 25.5C.

The normal maximum temperature in September is 16C, going down to 13C in October.

Positive Weather Solutions senior forecaster Jonathan Powell said: “People shouldn’t pack away their barbecues just yet as there is a burst of warmth to see out September and bring in October. Ireland will see some decent weather, with pleasant sunshine and temperatures.”

A forecaster for Met Éireann said: “Warm, humid and breezy days are expected from midweek, with a good deal of bright weather and sunny spells, although some rain and drizzle is also likely, mainly in the west and heavy at times.”

It is a view shared by Irish Weather Online forecaster Peter O’Donnell: “A warm spell is likely from Tuesday to the end of next week. Inland parts of the south and east could see hazy sunshine boosting temperatures into the 19C to 24C range.”