Ireland has been enjoying well-above average temperatures for much of June, with thermometers rising to near 30C at times.
June 13 saw the warmest day of the year so far as 28.8C was recorded in Co Carlow.
However the wall-to-wall sunshine that engulfed the country in the first half of the month has been broken up by unsettled conditions.
Numerous thunderstorm warnings have been issued in recent days with heavy rain and lighting causing chaos.
READ MORE: One of the 'most severe heatwaves on Earth' off Ireland amid new Met Eireann weather twist
There are hopes of a sudden return to settled conditions, with maps showing a U-turn from tomorrow.
Weather maps show warm air smothering Ireland once again this weekend and Met Eireann has confirmed that, forecasting highs of up to 24C for Saturday.
However it has ruled out any chance of heatwave-like conditions, stating that “it will stay unsettled for the weekend and into next week with outbreaks of rain or showers, potentially turning heavy at times”.
Giving a day-by-day breakdown of what to expect from the weather this weekend and early next week, the national forecaster said: “Thursday will be mostly dry with sunny spells and just isolated showers. Localised sea fog on the east coast. Highest temperatures of 20C to 24C in light southerly breezes.
"Early Thursday night will be mostly dry apart from a few showers in the northeast. Outbreaks of rain will soon develop in the west and will extend across the country overnight. The rain will be heavy at times, particularly in the southwest. There will be areas of mist and it will be mild and humid with temperatures not falling below 13C to 16C. Light to moderate southerly winds, freshening at times along Atlantic coasts.
“Mostly cloudy Friday with scattered outbreaks of rain throughout the day, turning heavy at times. Warm and humid with highest temperatures of 19C to 23C, with a light to moderate south to southwest wind.
“Remaining cloudy and humid Friday night with scattered outbreaks of rain. Overnight temperatures not falling below 15C to 17C in light southerly breezes.
“Staying humid Saturday with occasional outbreaks of rain, most frequent in western parts later in the day. Most areas will be cloudy with the best of any sunshine in the east and northeast. Highest temperatures of 19C to 24C in light to moderate southerly breezes.
“Rain will turn persistent Saturday night and potentially heavy over much of the west and midlands overnight while parts of the east will remain dry until morning. Lowest temperatures of 13C to 16C in light to moderate southerly breezes, veering westerly by morning.
“A dull and wet start Sunday with widespread outbreaks of rain. The rain will clear to scattered showers by the afternoon, some of which may be heavy or thundery. Some sunny spells will develop as well. Temperatures will be a bit cooler than in previous days with highs of 17C to 21C in mainly light westerly breezes.
“Mostly cloudy Monday with scattered showers, merging to longer spells of rain in the west later in the day. Maximum temperatures of 16C to 18C in light southwesterly breezes.
“Early indications are that it will remain unsettled through mid-week with further spells of rain or showers expected.”
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
