Irish sun-seekers eagerly looking forward to August’s African plume heatwave have been given a hint of caution by Met Eireann and that very hot weather is not likely.
Forecasters have said the weather will improve - but it may not lead to above-average temperatures.
After some heavy rain in Ireland for the past week , the prospect of warmer weather ahead was a big boost for people looking at staycations this summer and not heading abroad.
There is some indication that there will be warmer weather ahead from Met Eireann but it comes cautiously and forecasters have pointed out that very high temperatures are unlikely.
There was hope that the plume would be brought with hot air from Africa heading north and coupled with high pressure from the Azores seeing temperatures rise up and beyond 30C.
Met Eireann said on its website: "During the middle of the month we will have more of an easterly or northeasterly influence on our weather which brings us slightly warmer than normal conditions and light winds.
"Rainfall amounts will be near average as would expect afternoon showers in daytime heating."
The turning point for a new heatwave was expected to be August 15, but Met Eireann is saying that it is likely for temperatures to be average for the time of year.
Towards the end of August, Met Eireann forecasts: "We maintain an easterly or northeasterly influence as we move towards the end of August which would give us slightly warmer and drier than average conditions.
"Our confidence in the forecast for week 4 is a little lower, however as August ends and we move into autumn our weather looks likely to remain slightly milder than normal, and drier than normal in all areas as well."
The forecast for this week has rain, thundershowers and fog on the way before the arrival of any warm weather.
Wednesday will begin with a dry with bright start in the east but showers in the west will slowly extend northeastwards and turn heavy at times in northern parts through the afternoon.
Temperatures will reach highs of 17 to 21C.
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Wednesday night will see showery outbreaks of rain extending from the Atlantic eastwards across the country, with some heavy bursts, and minimum temperatures 12 to 15C.
Met Eireann adds that it will be unsettled over the rest of the week, the weekend, and early next week with widespread heavy or thundery showers and a continued risk of spot flooding.
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