Met Éireann verdict on return of 20C sun blast amid Ireland weather u-turn

Ireland's brief sunny spell last weekend was a real pick-me-up for the nation and it looks like the sun might be about to make a welcome return.

Temperatures touched 23C in some parts at the weekend and could reach that high again next week, according to Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel. 

While he is predicting thunderstorms over the next few days, it looks like high pressure off our east coast will keep the nasty conditions in the Atlantic and allow an easterly airflow to dominate in Ireland, bringing with it some sunny spells and higher temperatures in the low 20s once again. 

"From tomorrow onwards the sunshine returns for many, with temperatures steadily on the rise as we head into the weekend," he told us.

"While there will be some pleasant spells of sunshine developing across the country there will also be the risk of some isolated thundery showers each of the afternoons from Thursday onwards.

"The settled picture lasts into next week also, with good sunny spells, temperatures into the low twenties, but with that risk of isolated thunderstorms also," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Met Éireann too has hinted at a return of sunnier climes in their latest outlook. They said: "It looks drier for the end of the weekend and for the earlier days of next week."

However, between now and then we look set to endure a mixed bag of weather, including rain and thunderstorms. 

Met Éireann's forecast for Tuesday says: "Rain and drizzle in places will give way to sunshine and showers, some heavy with isolated thunderstorms developing across the midlands and west later. Highest temperatures 13 to 18 degrees in light to moderate east or northeast winds.

"Clear spells tonight, there'll be scattered showers over the southern half of the country. Lowest temperatures 7 to 11 degrees in light easterly breezes."

We will see some "sunny spells and scattered showers" on Wednesday, with forecasters saying the showers will be "most frequent in the southwest with much of the north and northeast staying dry. Highest temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees, with light easterly breezes."

The forecast for the rest of the week continues: "Dry and mostly clear overnight Wednesday night with areas of mist and fog forming in light variable winds. Lowest temperatures 6 to 9 degrees.

"Sunshine and scattered showers Thursday, some heavy. Highest temperatures 18 to 21 degrees, a little cooler at the coast. Light northerly or variable winds.

"Showers will become isolated overnight Thursday night, with clear spells developing, along with patches of mist or fog. Lowest temperatures 11 to 13 degrees, with light northerly breezes.

"Temperatures falling back on Friday in moderate northerly winds with highest temperatures of 13 to 18 degrees. Another day of sunny spells and scattered showers with some areas possibly staying dry.

"Showers will die off overnight Friday night, with mostly cloudy conditions likely. Temperatures not falling below 11 to 13 degrees, with light to moderate northerly breezes.

"Current indications suggest that Saturday will begin mostly cloudy, with sunny spells and scattered showers developing through the day. Highest temperatures 16 to 20 degrees, with light to moderate northerly breezes."