Deirdre O Meara 
Dublin is set to experience one of the hottest days of the year so far as temperatures soar to 20 degrees. However, the sunny weather is not expected to last as Met Eireann has issued warnings of heavy and thundery showers that could result in spot flooding. Two weather warnings have been put in place for parts of the country. A Status Yellow warning has been issued for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wicklow, and Tipperary from 12 pm until 8 pm, with Met Eireann warning of hazardous travelling conditions and spot flooding. The UK Met Office has also issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry, where heavy showers and thunderstorms could cause some localised disruption. The warning will be in place from 12 pm until 9 pm tonight.
The day will start with a few showers and sunny spells, which will turn heavy or thundery in the late afternoon and early evening. Temperatures are expected to be around 17 to 20 degrees. Tonight, showers will become isolated, with clear spells developing. The lowest temperatures will be around 8 or 9 degrees, with some mist patches expected. Tomorrow will be similar, with sunny spells and showers, some turning heavy at times with the chance of thunder. The highest temperatures will be around 14 to 16 degrees. There is no further forecast for Dublin, but the national outlook predicts mostly cloudy conditions on Tuesday night, with showers or longer spells of rain and lowest temperatures of 7 to 9 degrees with a moderate southwest to west wind.
Wednesday is expected to be a showery day with some heavy and possibly thundery downpours. There will be some sunny breaks at times too, with highest temperatures of 13 to 15 degrees in a moderate westerly breeze. It will be fresher near Atlantic coasts where winds could be strong at times overnight. Sunshine and showers are expected again on Thursday as winds become northerly. The highest temperatures will be 13 to 16 degrees, with the coolest temperatures along the north and northwest coast. On Friday, mainly dry weather with some sunshine is expected as winds ease light variable or calm. It will be a little warmer too, with highs of 15 to 18 degrees.
While Dubliners may be looking forward to the warm weather, it is important to heed the warnings of Met Eireann and take precautions to stay safe during any heavy or thundery showers. It is also advisable to keep an eye on weather updates and plan accordingly to avoid any potential travel disruptions.
