Ireland weather bombshell as Met Eireann warns of unexpected May twist after 25.8C mini-heatwave

Ireland has been basking in a glorious spell of sunshine and blue skies - and the good news is that it's not over yet. After weeks of rain, the nation has enjoyed high temperatures and dry conditions, with some areas even hitting record-breaking heat.

Last Wednesday, Athenry in Galway reached a scorching 25.8C, matching the hottest April day ever recorded in Glenties, Donegal in 1984. Galway wasn't alone in its mini-heatwave - Newport in Mayo hit 25.7C, while Mount Dillon in Roscommon and Shannon Airport both peaked at 25C.

But as we head further into May, a rare weather twist is on the cards. Met Eireann has issued an unexpected warning that while daytime temperatures will continue to climb, overnight lows could plunge to near freezing, bringing the risk of frost.

This is because of a stubborn high-pressure system sitting over the northwest of Ireland. This system is keeping rain at bay and locking in the sunshine, but it's also allowing clear skies at night, which means the heat will escape and cause sharp temperature drops after dark.

The national forecaster explained: "High pressure will remain nearby with the generally dry and sunny conditions continuing." If current patterns hold, this unusual setup could persist well into late May.

According to Met Eireann, bank holiday Monday will be dry with spells of sunshine, however some cloud may develop into the afternoon. Temperatures will range from a cool 11C near the east coast to a mild 16C in the west and southwest, in light northeasterly breezes. Tonight tells a very different story. It said: "Dry with long clear spells developing overnight. Lowest temperatures of 1C to 5C, with the chance of some grass frost in a light variable breeze."

The dry spell continues tomorrow. Ireland's weather service said: "A dry day Tuesday with spells of sunshine, though once again cloud may build through the afternoon. Highest temperatures of 14C to 18C in a light variable breeze. Largely clear on Tuesday night, though a few mist and fog patches are possible. Lowest temperatures of 3C to 7C in light winds."

Looking further ahead, the forecast remains exceptionally dry with almost no meaningful rain expected for at least the rest of the week. And by the weekend, temperatures could climb further, reaching close to 20C, particularly in western parts of the country.

Met Eireann said: "Mostly dry Wednesday with some sunny spells, though there is the chance of an odd light shower. Feeling milder with highest temperatures of 14C to 18C in light to moderate northeast winds. Dry overnight Wednesday with long clear spells for most. Lowest temperatures of 5C to 8C, with light northeasterly breezes.

"Another dry day Thursday with sunny spells and just one or two light showers. Highest temperatures of 12C to 17C , a little cooler near eastern coasts, in moderate easterly winds. Dry Friday with long spells of sunshine. Highest temperatures of 13C to 18C , warmest further west in light easterly breezes.

"Warm through the weekend with plenty of dry and sunny weather, though the occasional shower or patch of light rain is possible."

While subject to change this far out, next week's forecast reads: "While confidence is lower, there is a slight signal for the high pressure to persist. Rainfall amounts are continuing to signal drier than average across the country. There is an indication for mean air temperatures to stay close to average, with coastal regions trending slightly above average."

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