SUNNING FOR THE WEEKEND

Temperatures soar to 28.5C

THE country is set to bask in more glorious September sunshine for the rest of the weekend as the mercury soared to a sizzling 28.5C yesterday.

But despite the near 30C temps, the all time 117-year old September record was not broken.

The current top mark for the month of September here is 29.1C and that top temperature was reported in Clongowes, Co Kildare in September in 1906 According to Met Eireann’s Emer Flood, most inland areas recorded temperatures yesterday of over 25 degrees.

Emer said: “Provisionally, the highest temperature recorded so far on Friday was 28.5 degrees at our station in Oak Park, Co Carlow.

“As it stands, it’s very unlikely that the all time September record will be beat.

“Most inland areas recorded temperatures today over 25 degrees.”

The high temps are set to continue today as Met Eireann is forecasting sunny spells and some scattered showers today) — with highest temperatures between 21 and 26 degrees.

Cooler

The very warm and humid conditions will continue tomorrow before coming cooler from Monday onwards as temperatures are set to fall to between 15 and 19 degrees. As the warm spell continues, Joanne Walsh, Chief Executive of Water Safety Ireland has reminded people to think about water safety at all times.

She told RTE’s Morning Ireland: “It is beautiful weather. We are having an unusual summer and we have to enjoy it. But we have got to think about water safety at all times”.

Ms Walsh urged people to go to a lifeguard waterway if they want to swim and to only go into the water in an area where there is a lifeboat nearby.

COOLS PARADISE: Chloe O’Driscoll and Ava O’Leary in Inchydoney, West Cork and (below) Rory Lane on his board in the sea SUNSHINE GIRLS: Domilia Timonyte at Down Royal Racecourse and (left) Leah O’Kane, Angela Condit and Anna Bleakley JUST CHILL: Chelo, Kathy and David relaxing at the Seaport in Dublin

SPLASHING IT: Ailish and Patrick Nichelson and Marilena Stylianou BEACH BUDS: Lorenzo and Candela give a cheer to show they are enjoying the glorious sunshine at the Seaport beach