Weather expert pinpoints counties that could see temps of 31C amid Ireland sun blast

An Irish weather expert has predicted some counties could see temperatures hit 31 degrees this week amid a glorious mini heatwave forecast.

Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel made the prediction in his latest forecast in which he said there will be "a fair amount of sunshine to start" on Thursday as the weather heats up.

He said some areas will still see "low cloud initially" on Thursday, thickest across the northwest.

"This will burn away quickly and the day itself will be very warm or hot, with highs of 27-28 expected. Variably southerly winds," he added.

For Friday, he says: "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. Winds will be variable or southeasterly in direction."

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His forecast for Saturday says: "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.

"More humid feeling on Sunday with some extra cloud about, though many parts of the east and north will continue to see hot sunshine. Elsewhere in the southwest cloud is building and heavy showers or thunderstorms are expected later, pushing northeast," Cathal added.

He concluded: "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."

Meanwhile, Met Éireann have confirmed just how hot they think it could get in Ireland this weekend in their latest heatwave weather forecast.

They confirmed that "high pressure will bring mainly dry, settled weather for Friday and most of the weekend" making it "very warm or even hot." Temperatures could surpass 28 degrees.

In their latest forecast, they say Wednesday night will see cloud continue to spread from the east, however, "it will be dry for most. Mist and fog patches are likely to develop particularly on high ground. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 14 degrees in light winds."

The forecast goes on to say: "Any lingering mist and fog will burn off quickly Thursday morning leaving a lovely clear day with plenty of sunshine around. Cloudier at times for parts of the north and west but improving again in the latter half of the day. Highest temperatures of 22 to 27 degrees in light winds.

"Continuing dry overnight with clear spells, along with fog developing for southern areas. Mild with temperatures not falling below 11 to 14 degrees with light southerly breezes.

"After a foggy start [on Friday] for southern areas, widespread sunshine will likely develop. Becoming hot in sunshine with highest temperatures of 22 to 27 or 28 degrees with light southerly breezes.

"Saturday will be another very warm or hot day with the best of the sunshine over the eastern half of the country and with more cloud further west. Highest temperatures of 23 to 27 or 28 degrees with light to moderate southeasterly winds.

"Sunday will start off dry with good sunshine in the east and north. Cloud and showery rain will move in over Munster and Connacht during the afternoon and will gradually extend northeastwards through the evening and night. It will be another warm or hot day with highest temperatures of 22 to 28 degrees and moderate south to southeast winds."

In a dent to hopes of prolonged hot spell, Met Éireann concludes: "Current indications suggest tat the early days of next week will be cooler and more unsettle with showers or longer spells of rain at times and with temperatures in the high teens to low twenties."