Today set to be a sizzler at 20C but rain’s on the way

PARTS of the country will bask in early summer sunshine today, with temperatures soaring to up to a sizzling 20C.

In its latest forecast, Met Éireann said early mist and fog will lift this morning to unveil ‘a prominently dry day’.

The east will enjoy the best of the conditions, with long spells of sunshine and temperatures rising to between 16C and 20C. But it’s set to be cloudier in the west of the country, where the chance of some showers has also been forecast.

Unfortunately the warm weather is not likely to last for long.

The national forecaster warned ‘persistent rain’ will develop in Atlantic coastal counties overnight, and rain will become widespread throughout the country tomorrow, turning heavy at times.

Met Éireann said Tuesday will be ‘a breezy day with frequent showers mixed with sunny spells’.

It added: ‘Longer spells of rain are likely in the west and north. The best dry periods will be in the southeast. There will be fresh to strong and gusty southwest winds, possibly very strong for a time on Atlantic coasts. Highest temperatures will be betweeen 13C and 17C.

‘Showers will persist overnight, the most frequent or prolonged will be in the northwest with clear spells elsewhere.’

Better dry periods have been signalled for Wednesday, with more scattered showers mixed with sunny spells and highest temperatures of 13C to 16C. Met Éireann warned the further outlook is for more unsettled conditions towards the second half of the week.

It said: ‘It will remain unsettled with spells of wet and breezy weather moving in from the Atlantic. Early signs show it may settle down again for the weekend.’