Irish weather forecast: Met Eireann reveal more summer sunshine expected today as temperatures hit 23C

Ireland will bathe in more summer sunshine today as temperatures are set to hit a sweltering 23 degrees.

However a change is on the way as more cloud and rain is expected this weekend and into next week, although it will remain mild.

Conditions will stay largely warm and bright today but there will be some patches of rain and drizzle in the west and north.

A Met Eireann forecaster said: “Sunny spells across the south of the country at first this morning, but cloudier further north with patchy light rain, drizzle and mist affecting parts of the Connacht and Ulster.

Windsurfers enjoying the good weather at Dollymount Beach, Dublin. (Gareth Chaney Collins)

"Becoming mostly cloudy for a time this afternoon, with perhaps the odd spot of drizzle spreading elsewhere, but bright or sunny spells returning towards evening.

"Top temperatures 19 to 23 degrees, but a few degrees cooler in the west and northwest.

"Winds will be mostly light to moderate westerly, with local sea breezes along eastern and southern coasts."

And more warm weather is expected as we start the weekend tomorrow.

Jil Kellegher from Portobello & Evan Farren from Stillorgan enjoying the good weather in Merrion Square, Dublin. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins (Gareth Chaney Collins)

A forecaster revealed: "Some damp, cloudy and misty conditions around at first on Saturday as patchy rain continues to extend slowly southwards over the country, but clearer, brighter and drier conditions will gradually increase over Ulster as the morning unfolds, edging into northern parts of Leinster and Connacht later in the day.

"Top temperatures of 16 to 21 degrees in light northwest or variable breezes."

However, next week will see temperatures dip slightly, with the possibility of more widespread rain over the second half of the week.

Met Eireann's Vincent O'Shea added: "We would hope that on Monday and Tuesday most of country will stay dry, but there will be a chance of cloudier weather than over the weekend.

"There will be a lot of cloud around and probably a little rain in the west but there is a lot of uncertainty in the forecast.

People enjoying the sunshine at the beach at Inchydoney, Clonakilty Co Cork. (Denis Boyle)

"Some places, particularly Dublin and Cork, will hopefully be dry but not exceptionally warm, just above normal for the time of year.

"There will be a mix of cloud and sunshine, and if there is good sunshine we should see very pleasant weather.

"There are indications of some rain in most other places by midweek and the second half of next week, but we can't say for certain."