Today to be hottest day of year

There may be a few clouds out there, but Met Éireann are promising a pleasant day. Today is to be the hottest day of the year with temperatures hitting the mid 20s in places.

Met Éireann said that Leinster, Munster and east Ulster will have the warmest weather, where sunny spells will occur, and temperatures will reach 22-26 degrees.

Dry and warm in most areas today, with sunny spells, especially in the east and south, but cloudy in Atlantic coastal areas, with a little patchy drizzle possible near coasts.

Isolated mist or fog patches also along south coasts. More persistent rain and drizzle will develop along west and northwest coasts later. Maximum temperatures 19 to 24 degrees generally, but cooler in Atlantic coastal counties, with maxima of 15 to 19 degrees. Winds mostly light to moderate southwesterly, fresh to strong on northwest coasts.

Early tonight, rain and drizzle will become more widespread across Ulster, Connacht and west Munster, extending southeastwards, but becoming very patchy. Clearer, mainly dry conditions will follow from the northwest and it will turn cooler and fresher. Minimum temperatures 9 to 13 degrees, in mostly light to moderate westerly breezes.

Monday will be bright and mainly dry, with sunny spells and just a few isolated light showers in the north and northwest. Maximum temperatures 14 to 19 degrees, in moderate west to northwest winds, fresh to strong on north and northwest coasts.