Following a glorious weekend of sizzling temperatures, weather chiefs have warned thunderstorms will hit parts of the country this week.
The mercury is set to soar again to highs of 24C today but Met Eireann has also warned heavy showers and
thunderstorms will lash parts of Leinster and Ulster.
Several thunderstorm warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland with Antrim, Armagh, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry all under alert from 12pm today until midnight tonight.
The UK Met Office said: "Some places are likely to see severe thunderstorms through Monday afternoon and evening - but there is uncertainty in location and timing."
Showers will push in from the south affecting mainly parts of east Leinster and Ulster through the day. The showers are likely to be most frequent in eastern coastal counties, with some heavy and thundery bursts possible.
A forecaster added: "Highest temperatures of 18 to 24 degrees, warmest over Munster. Winds will be light northeasterly or variable in direction but will be gusty in and around showers."
Things are looking better for tomorrow and Wednesday with experts predicting highs of 2OC to 24C.
But swap the sunnies for brollies on Thursday as the national forecaster said: “Low pressure could bring significant showers. There is a great deal of uncertainty to the extent but temperatures will come down a degree or two.”
The unsettled weather in the forecast comes after a weekend of scorching sunshine sparked some warnings from officials. Thousands of people took to beaches, lakes, rivers and parks to make the most of good conditions.
As people descended on the coast in their droves across Ireland, Wexford County Council yesterday asked them to stay away from its beaches over concerns about social distancing.
Both Curracloe and Duncannon beach car parks had to be closed due to overcrowding with fears of a possible outbreak of Covid-19.
A council spokesman said: “Our beaches are packed today. Please stay away at this time, take care of yourself and of others.
“Our little island is extremely fragile right now. Economically and on a human level we don’t want another lockdown.”
Beaches in Co Cork and Co Clare also had high numbers of visitors as temperatures reached 25C.
