The good news is that the drier and warmer weather looks set to stay with us until at least the end of this weekend with temperatures rising as high as 20C across some parts of Ireland from Wednesday today Saturday. There will be some cloud around in places this week but it will be mainly sunny most of the time.

Some showers this afternoon are currently affecting the southwest and south of ireland with drier weather further north with sunshine.

The warmest temperatures between Wednesday and Friday will occur across the southwest, west, northwest and midlands of Ireland with temperatures there between 16C to 20C.

It will be a little cooler across the eastern half of Ireland on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with eastlery breezes keeping temperatures there low of around 14C to 16C.

Most areas will be dry over the week especially northern counties, some showers could occur over the afternoon hours across Munster, south Leinster and south Connacht but theses will not do any harm.

As week head into the weekend the latest ECMWF model shows that that the drier weather will stay with us with further sunshine across Ireland but a little cloud also at times. The warmest temperatures over the weekend look set to be across the the, west south and east as winds turn northerly keeping northern areas a little cooler in northerly breezes temperatures on Saturday will range between 16C to 20C but across the north and northwest temperatures will range between 13C to 16C.

HIGH POLLEN LEVELS

Tree pollen levels will be high across Ireland next week. Birch and ash are the main tree pollen types currently airborne. Ash will soon be over and the birch will continue for a few more days. Some oak pollen just starting to be released. The grass pollen season is expected to start in mid-May. For the lastest pollen forecast click here

UV LEVELS

Over the week UV levels will be Moderate in any sunshine.

Seek shade during midday hours. Apply sunscreen and cover up with protective clothing.

For the lastest pollen forecast click here

ORANGE GORSE AND FOREST FIRE WARNING

Arising from continued high pressure dominated weather patterns systems a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.

Based on recent fire incidents, most ignitions risks appear to be associated with illegal burning of upland vegetation. Additional caution is also required in areas where active turf cutting is taking place. Members of the public intending to visit forests and other recreational sites are reminded of the requirement to remain within 2km of their homes and to adhere to regulations introduced to limit the spread of Covid-19. Vehicles should not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service access to forest roads.

Fire behaviour and initial spread rates are likely to be influenced by lower afternoon humidity levels and light to moderate wind speeds during the lifespan of this warning, and wind speeds may exceed 30km/h is some areas.

For the latest warning and more info click here

WEDNESDAY 22ND APRIL 2020

Wednesday will be another sunny day across Ireland and it will be warm especially across the western half where temperatures will rise to around 20C with lows of 14C in the east.

THURSDAY 23RD APRIL 2020

Thursday will be another bright and sunny day across Ireland with temperatures between 14C to 19C coolest along eastern parts due to a easterly sea breeze.

FRIDAY 24TH APRIL 2020

Friday will be another sunny day across Ireland with temperatures looking like they will be as high as 19C even 20C in some western parts with lows of around 15C to 16C across the east. There could be a few showers later in the day in places especially across the south and southwest but it will be mainly dry and sunny for many.

SATURDAY 25TH APRIL 2020

Saturday will be another dry day across Ireland with bright and sunny spells with the risk of a few showers across Munster later in the afternoon but these not doing much harm. Temperatures will range between 14C to 20C.

SUNDAY 26TH APRIL 2020

Sunday will see be another bright and sunny day with temperatures between 16C to 19C warmest in the south but a little cooler across the North with highs of around 14C to 15C due to a northerly breeze. L

OUTLOOK

Current indications for a much more unsettled week next week but noting is certain yet and with the possibility of this fine spring weather continuing.