Summer has finally arrived so get set for a Sunday sizzler

WE can expect the hottest day of the year this weekend, with temperatures likely to rise above 20C as high pressure closes in.

Met Éireann says temperatures could even hit 21C on Sunday – which is hotter than normal for this time of year. It would be hotter than the previous warmest day of the year, which was the 20C enjoyed across the country last Saturday.

After a dull, overcast week so far, people can pack up their cars and head to the beach. However, it will be a short reprieve as the unsettled weather returns from Sunday night.

Met Éireann forecaster Emer Flood said: ‘There will still be some light showers during both Saturday and Sunday but it’s looking like 17C to 19C for most areas and locally reaching 20C if there are any extended periods of sunshine. Sunday could even possibly hit the 21C mark if it doesn’t get too cloudy.’

As the country braces itself for a mini-heatwave, the rest of Europe is predicted to be hit by a ‘remarkable heat episode’ which could see temperatures in France breach 30C.

Before the sunshine greets Ireland this weekend, today will see some showers, most frequently in the northwest with temperatures as low as 12C.