Heat, mugginess, thunderstorms and possible flooding are expected to bring an almost tropical feel to Ireland in the coming days.
Met Éireann has issued a warning for "warm and very humid" weather .
Heavy showers and thunderstorms with hail may lead to local flooding, disruption and possible damage, Met Éireann said in its yellow (lowest level) warning. The advisory has been issued for the whole country for tonight, Friday and Saturday .
The mercury will rise to 19 to 24 degrees today but this will be followed by heavy thundery rain tonight. Bedspreads will be cast aside tonight as it is expected to be warm and humid with temperatures not below 13 to 17 degrees.
Tomorrow temperatures will remain high and are forecast to hit 18 to 22 degrees. But those planning trips to the beach should keep in mind that the warm weather will be accompanied by thundery showers and a risk of hail and lightning . It will be another warm and muggy night with temperatures not below 14 to 17 degrees and more heavy showers and thunderstorms .
Saturday brings a warning of a risk of damage and disruption with further heavy downpours, hail and lightning. It is expected to be a “very warm” and muggy day with highest temperatures of 18 to 24 degrees.
The Irish Cancer Society has urged people to protect their skin in the coming days as the UV index will be over three and will reach six or seven (high) in many parts of the State today.
Meanwhile in the UK meteorologists expect today to be the hottest of the year, breaking the 30 degrees barrier for the first time. And the mercury could creep still further tomorrow, with temperatures as high as 32 degrees as a belt of Iberian weather hits UK shores.
However the UK may also experience thunder and heavy showers overnight into Saturday. It has prompted the UK Met Office to issue a severe weather warning for much of the UK on Saturday, with the potential for localised flooding.
Additional reporting PA
