Ireland heatwave verdict as Met Eireann reveals exact date for surprise weather swing

For the past few weeks, Ireland has been under a constant barrage of wet weather. Flooding, thunder and hail have been a regular occurrence, highlighted by the numerous weather warnings issued by Met Eireann.

While April has been a washout so far, the situation is about to change dramatically in the coming days. According to the national forecaster, the weather will "gradually become more settled and milder through the rest of the weekend, with plenty of dry and bright weather for early next week".

This shift is thanks to an area of high pressure moving in from the east, which will help clear the skies, significantly reduce rain and keep temperatures trending above average. This weekend is forecast to be largely sunny, with temperatures of up to 18C - but it's next week when things will dramatically heat up.

By Tuesday, April 29, Met Eireann expects a significant shift in the weather with sunny spells and temperatures of up to 20C. Weather maps also show widespread highs of 21C on Wednesday, April 30, and current indications suggest these milder conditions could last well into the first week of May.

While the forecast is generally positive, there is still some uncertainty. The national forecaster has said that while the high pressure system should bring predominantly dry weather, there is still a possibility of some rain or showers. It added: "There is a good deal of uncertainty in the forecast for the rest of next week. Nearby high pressure looks likely to bring plenty of dry weather and mild or warm conditions but some spells of rain or showers cannot be ruled out."

Although the upcoming weather is great news for those hoping for sunshine, Met Eireann has made it clear that it won't officially be classified as a heatwave. Heatwaves are often defined as five days of consecutive above-average temperatures, but Met Eireann previously told the Irish Mirror: "That is a working definition used by some other met offices, but the Met Eireann definition of a heatwave is five consecutive days of temperatures above 25C."

Giving a breakdown of what to expect over the coming days, Ireland's weather service said: "Early Friday, any lingering rain in the east and northeast will clear and any showers will ease, leaving a mostly dry night with clear spells and isolated showers. Areas of mist and fog will develop in light southerly or variable winds. Lowest temperatures of 3C to 8C.

"On Saturday, mist and fog will slowly clear but may linger on some southern and eastern coasts. In most areas there'll be spells of sunshine and just the odd light shower. Turning cloudier in the west towards evening with patchy rain developing. Highest temperatures of 13C to 17C with light to moderate southwest winds.

"Any rain will clear on Sunday morning followed by sunny spells and well scattered showers. Highest temperatures of 14C to 18C , but feeling a little chillier in moderate to fresh southwest winds.

"After a rather cloudy start, it will brighten up through Monday with hazy spells of sunshine developing. Dry for most but the odd light shower will occur. Highest temperatures of 14C to 18C with moderate southerly winds easing light later.

"Current indications suggest that Tuesday will be a warm and sunny day. Highest temperatures of 16C to 20C in light to moderate southeast winds.

"There is a good deal of uncertainty in the forecast for the rest of next week. Nearby high pressure looks likely to bring plenty of dry weather and mild or warm conditions but some spells of rain or showers cannot be ruled out."

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