'Heatwave possible' for Ireland within weeks amid summer weather u-turn

Ireland could be set to welcome a heatwave in the coming weeks, according to a number of weather forecasters.

The country has endured a torrid time on the weather front recently with thunderstorm, wind and rain dominating among the odd sunny spell.

However, as we head towards July, the mercury looks set to go through the roof, according to Ireland Weather Channel forecaster Cathal Nolan. 

In a glimpse at his latest forecast, Cathal said it looks like our weather is "hotting up as we near July" adding that there is a "possibility of heatwave conditions."

Weather Alerts Ireland has given a similar reading on the situation and pinpointed its arrival: "The main European model is now forecasting warmer air for next weekend.

"The best bit of news is into the following week warmer air could push up and stick around as high pressure begins to push North East past Ireland.

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"This would allow warmer air to push up from the South. Still plenty of time for change but looks promising."

Met Éireann, meanwhile, has hinted at warmer weather in its extended forecast for the week of June 24 to 25. They say: "High pressure is signalled to build over the country. This will likely lead to temperatures running above average for the time of year, along with precipitation amounts being below normal for the period."

They are less confident on their forecast for the first week of July but are leaning towards high pressure sticking around. They added: "Confidence in the forecast decreases. There is a slight signal for high pressure to develop northwest of the country, which may lead to higher than average temperatures developing for the time of year. Precipitation amounts are also signalled to be below average for early July."

In the meantime, we will continue to endure mixed weather fortunes, according to Met Éireann. Their outlook for next week says "high pressure will build bringing more settled weather to start the week, but it will turn more unsettled later on."

Their prediction for the week ahead reads: "Monday morning will be largely cloudy with some patches of light rain or drizzle. It will become drier later in the day, with a few bright or sunny intervals developing. Highest temperatures of 13 to 18 degrees in a light to moderate northerly wind.

"Partly cloudy with a few light showers moving into northern areas in a light to moderate north to northwest wind [Monday night]. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees.

"Mostly cloudy to start with a few showers, mainly near northern coasts [Tuesday]. Becoming drier and brighter through the day with sunny spells developing. Highest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees in a light to moderate northerly wind.

"Dry with long clear spells [Tuesday night]. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees with light northerly winds.

"Dry with sunny spells, turning hazy at times over the southern half of the country [on Wednesday]. Highest temperatures of 15 to 19 degrees in a light and variable breeze.

"Rain and cloud will spread across the country Thursday, turning heavy at times. Highest temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees in a light westerly breeze."

Their further outlook says: "The end of the week looks to turn more unsettled as low-pressure systems feed in rain and showers, particularly over the north and west."