Ireland is bracing for its hottest spell of the year as meteorologists predict temperatures could soar to 31°C this weekend, with Cork and Munster enjoying wall-to-wall sunshine before thunderstorms arrive on Sunday.
The current high-pressure system promises to deliver what many are calling the best summer weather Ireland has seen in 2025, with both Met Éireann and private forecasters predicting exceptional conditions ahead.
Tonight will remain dry across Cork, though mist and fog patches are expected to develop widely. Temperatures will dip to a mild 9 to 13 degrees in light winds, setting the stage for Thursday’s dramatic warm-up.
Met Éireann forecasters predict:
“Fog patches clearing through the morning, then a dry, warm and mostly sunny day. Some low cloud and coastal fog will move into the southwest later. Highest temperatures of 22 to 26 degrees in light winds.”
However, Cathal Nolan from Ireland’s Weather Channel expects even hotter conditions, stating:
“The day itself will be very warm or hot, with highs of 27-28 expected. Wall to wall sunshine expected right the way across the country with temperatures soaring to 28-29 degrees Celsius in some of the warmer locations across the Midlands and Midwest.”
Friday promises to be spectacular, with widespread sunshine developing after any early morning fog clears from southern areas. Met Éireann warns it will become “hot in sunshine” with temperatures reaching 22 to 28 degrees.
The weekend’s peak is expected on Saturday, when Cathal Nolan predicts:
“The temperatures look set to peak now on Saturday with the highest values expected to reach a balmy 30-31 degrees Celsius in some locations, chiefly across the Midlands or South Ulster, but also locally to the north of high ground away from the coast.”
Sunday will mark a change, with Met Éireann forecasting:
“Cloud and showery rain will move in over Munster and Connacht during the afternoon and will gradually extend northeastwards through the evening and night.” Heavy showers and thunderstorms are possible later in the day.
Health officials are reminding residents that the UV index will be high throughout the period, with moderate pollen levels on Wednesday and Thursday. Cathal Nolan emphasised safety precautions:
“Be sure to wear suncream if out and about for any great length of time, drink extra water, be safe if swimming in lakes and seas, but above all else, have fun and enjoy this beautiful spell of summer weather here on our island.”
The hot spell represents a significant shift from recent cooler conditions, with current indications suggesting next week will return to more typical Irish summer weather, with temperatures dropping to the high teens and low twenties alongside unsettled conditions.