Weather forecasters are predicting Ireland’s hottest spell in over two years, with temperatures potentially reaching 30°C by next weekend as summer finally arrives across the country.
Cathal Nolan, Ireland’s Weather Channel:
“Ireland is about to experience its hottest spell of weather so far this year with summer like conditions developing through the second half of next week, peaking through next weekend.”
The latest computer models show remarkable agreement on the incoming heat, with the ECMWF and GFS models both indicating a significant warm-up from mid-week onwards. According to Ireland’s Weather Channel, temperatures could reach the mid-20s by the middle of next week, before potentially hitting 30°C or even higher in some areas by next weekend.
The warming pattern shows central, northern and western areas experiencing the most dramatic temperature rises, with some locations potentially seeing maximum temperatures 8°C or more above the July average. Light winds and widespread sunshine are expected to accompany the heat.
Met Éireann’s official forecast takes a more conservative approach, predicting a gradual warming trend. Today will see temperatures of 16-19°C with sunny spells and scattered showers, before Monday brings drier conditions with highs of 17-22°C. The national forecaster expects temperatures to build through the week, reaching 20-25°C by Thursday.
Met Éireann’s Thursday outlook:
“A dry day for most with sunny spells, though well scattered showers will develop through the day. Very warm with highest temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees in a light southwest or variable breeze.”
For Cork residents, this could mean the first real taste of summer 2025, with potential heatwave conditions developing. The timing coincides perfectly with the hay-making season, as Ireland’s Weather Channel noted farmers should “get your habob ready, it’s haytime.”
However, both forecasters urge caution when interpreting long-range predictions. Weather models beyond five days can change significantly, though confidence is building that Ireland will experience its most sustained warm spell since the summer of 2022.
The warm weather is expected to be accompanied by largely dry conditions, with Met Éireann indicating “a good deal of dry weather next week with just a few showers or patches of light rain.”
Pollen levels are forecast to remain moderate through Monday, while UV levels will be moderate to high, making sun protection essential during the anticipated sunny spells.
The current forecast suggests the warm spell could begin to break down over the following weekend, with more unsettled Atlantic weather systems potentially arriving.