Hot weather is set to return to Ireland with early forecasts suggesting the middle of August will be hotter than usual.
Although the first week of August has fairly well been a write-off, with rain, thunder, and spot flooding, week two looks likely to see an improvement.
The Irish forecaster says that during the middle of the month - between August 13 and 19 - “we will have more of an easterly or northeasterly influence on our weather which brings us slightly warmer than normal conditions and light winds.”
Rain is still being forecast for some areas, with amounts set to be near average for the time of year with “afternoon showers in daytime heating”.
This easterly or northeasterly influence will be maintained between August 20 and 26 for week three extending towards the end of August “which would give us slightly warmer and drier than average conditions”.
Heading into September then, the incoming Autumn weather is predicted to be milder than normal with many more dry spells on the way - however, meteorologists have said their confidence in forecasts this far ahead are subject to change.
As for this weekend, thundery outbreaks of rain are expected today (Friday), bringing hazardous driving conditions and the further risk of spot flooding.
The best of the dry and bright spells coming our way later today will be across the south and southeast early on, with highest temperatures of 15 to 19 degrees.
It’ll be quite windy across the southern half of Ireland, with fresh and gusty westerly winds due; elsewhere breezes will be just light to moderate.
Saturday will then bring more heavy and prolonged showers bringing further spot flooding and thunderstorms.
However, there will be occasional dry spells, mainly in the southeast, with highest temperatures of 15 to 19 degrees.
Expected bursts of rain on Sunday will be heaviest and most frequent over the northern half of the country with possible thunderstorms.
It’ll be drier elsewhere with some sunshine and just well-scattered showers.
Temperatures will remain up around 16 to 20 degrees, and it will be mildest in the southeast.
The brief bout of good weather for some will set the tone for next week’s conditions which are due to be calmer with scattered showers.
