Sunny spells this weekend as temperatures climb to 20 degrees 

Ross Castle in the afternoon sunshine on the Lakes of Killarney, Co Kerry.  Picture: Dan Linehan

The factor 50 could be needed this weekend as good sunny spells are expected in parts of the country.

Met Éireann is forecasting temperatures as high as 20 degrees, with the west seeing the best of the weather.

Head of Forecasting Evelyn Cusack has said it's going to be nice throughout the weekend but warned of the risk of sunburn. 

"I don't want to be a Debby Downer but you can get sunburned so avoid getting burned say between 11 and 3 which are the high burn peak times and also pollen is kicking up a bit. 

"But overall it's lovely sunny weather over the weekend and indeed a lot of dry weather next week as well," she said. 

Although it was chilly yesterday evening, with temperatures dropping to around 0 degrees, the weekend is set to see plenty of sunny spells.

Today is set to see “hazy sunny spells” with the mercury rising to 17 degrees on a dry and bright day.

It will remain dry on Friday night and Saturday will follow suit.

Met Éireann said Saturday will be dry “with good sunshine for most” but it may be "a little hazy at times" in Leinster

Sunshine at Youghal Beach, Co Cork. File picture: Larry Cummins

Temperatures are set to reach 18 degrees with it “becoming fresh along southern coasts”.

Saturday night will remain dry and clear as Sunday continues the sunshine trend.

Temperatures will peak at around 17 degrees with it being “mostly sunny”.

Met Éireann said that it will become “hazy at times with just some intermittent passing cloud”.

Restrictions

For anyone who is planning to enjoy the sunshine this weekend, people are being reminded to comply with Covid-19 restrictions.

Gardaí have previously asked people to plan any weekend activities.

Under the new restrictions, the public are allowed to travel within their own county or 20km from their homes.

They have also appealed for people to park legally when visiting amenities.

“Illegal parking can hinder access by emergency services and could put lives at risk," the gardaí said in a statement.  

"As we saw during previous weekends, people who illegally park are at risk of having their cars towed and impounded.”