Wave goodbye to the rain -- there's a heatwave coming to Ireland

Extra.ie​

16 hours ago

Stop looking out the window at those leaden skies and wondering where summer went – there's a heatwave on the way. A prolonged period of blistering sunshine and blue skies is on the cards for this week, Met Éireann predicts.
The forecaster is predicting temperatures will reach a sweltering 26C. Met Éireann defines a heatwave as 'five consecutive days of temperatures above 25C' – and it looks like we could hit that mark, or surpass it, this week, according to the latest weather charts.
Current forecasts, which are subject to change, indicate a gradual rise from the low 20s at the start of this week to much hotter temperatures. Today, we will see spells of sunshine, though it will be cloudier in north Connacht and Ulster with isolated showers. Stop looking out the window at those leaden skies and wondering where summer went – there's a heatwave on the way. Pic: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
Highest temperatures of 14C in the northwest, rising to 23C in the southeast in moderate winds, are expected. However, there will be a small blip tomorrow as it will be largely cloudy, with patches of light rain and drizzle spreading over the western half of the country while remaining dry further east.
On a happier note, the highest temperatures will vary between 17 and 22C in light to moderate west-northwest winds. Wednesday will start cloudy but brighten up through the day with spells of sunshine developing and temperatures rising to 23C, warmest in the south, in a light to moderate westerly breeze.
It will be another dry day on Thursday with sunny spells, though scattered showers will develop through the day. It will be 'very warm' with the highest temperatures of 20 to 25C in a light southwest or variable breeze. Stop looking out the window at those leaden skies and wondering where summer went – there's a heatwave on the way. Pic: Shutterstock
Although remaining dry at first on Friday, the weather will become more unsettled over the weekend with outbreaks of rain spreading from the Atlantic, and possibly blustery conditions at times. Saturday and Sunday are expected to be the hottest days, potentially rising to 27C.
Met Éireann said this week 'is showing a slight signal for high-pressure building', which indicates more settled weather. It added: 'Temperatures are indicating to be above average for this time of year. Precipitation is likely to be below average, especially in parts of the southwest and west.'
Meanwhile, scorching temperatures on mainland Europe are not deterring Irish tourists from travelling, travel agents have found. Temperatures have surged past 44C in parts of Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France. Europe is currently experiencing an extreme heatwave known as a 'heat dome', resulting in unbearable temperatures. Pic: LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)
Portugal and Spain recorded their hottest June ever. Scientists said the extreme temperatures in the region were related to a 'heat dome' over continental Europe. This is an area of high pressure that becomes stuck in place over a region because the atmospheric dynamics around it block it from moving.
Mary Denton, chief executive of Sunway Travel, said they 'haven't received queries from customers asking to re-arrange their holiday dates or cancel due to the temperatures at their destination'.
Ms Denton added: 'We have a lot of people due to travel this weekend [and] most of our customers will be going to Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Morocco. 'People are paying attention to what's going on around the world, but it isn't dampening enthusiasm for summer holidays.
'Holiday resorts and hotels are well prepared, and once customers are sensible and follow local advice, they will enjoy their time away.'