Irish weather forecast: Mini-heatwave to hit next week as Met Eireann predicts 20C temperatures

Ireland will be hit by a blast of warm weather next week as temperatures of up to 20C are on the way.

After a week of wet days and freezing cold nights, Met Eireann is now forecasting more summer-like conditions.

Parts of the country can expect a warm start to next week, with Wednesday and Thursday to be the hottest days with highs of 20C.

A Met Eireann spokesperson said: "Dry and warm next week with temps in the general range 13C to 20C.

"Wednesday and Thursday will be the warmest days with the highest temperatures occurring on the western side of the country.

Stock image of people enjoying sunshine at Skerries Beach in Dublin (Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin)

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"Southeasterly breezes will keep it a little cooler near the south-Munster, Leinster and east-Ulster coast."

Meanwhile, Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be cool this week, before temperatures begin to soar on Sunday.

After a mostly dry start to Thursday, widespread showers will hit large parts of Ireland, apart from Munster and south-Connacht where it is to remain dry. Highest temperatures will range between 11C and 14C.

Today

Temperatures are to plunge late on Thursday with a potentially frosty night on the way.

A spokesperson said: "It will be generally dry and clear overnight.

"Cool with lows of 1C to 3C and grass frost in places. Fog patches will develop in the calm conditions."

It will be a cold few days before temperatures soar to up to 17C on Sunday (Stock images)

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Friday

Met Eireann has predicted a "fairly sunny" Friday, with dry periods in the south. Afternoon highs will range between 11C and 13C.

Saturday and Sunday

And the weather chiefs are forecasting a sunny weekend, with dry and calm conditions on both days - and highs of 17C on Sunday.

A spokesperson added: "Dry through Saturday and Sunday with good sunshine on both of the days.

"Temps on Saturday will range from 11C to 14C in almost calm conditions.

"During Sunday temps will increase to between 13C and 17C as the breeze turns southeasterly in direction, highest values across Connacht and the Midlands."

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