It has been almost two weeks since the last significant rainfall in most parts of Munster, leaving Irish Water to impose the first supply restrictions of the summer in West Cork. The utility is closely monitoring usage levels across Ireland, as the possibility of widespread hose-pipe bans and other conservation measures looms. Met Eireann’s latest forecast, however, offers some hope for Irish Water, farmers, and gardeners as the long heatwave could finally break next weekend, with the south of Ireland most likely to receive substantial rain.
The longer-range forecast predicts heavy showers and even thundery outbursts across the south on Saturday, with more rain to follow on Sunday, as the high-pressure conditions that have provided an unusually hot, dry, and settled few weeks finally give way. Before we reach that point, however, we can expect another week of hot, dry, and cloudless days, with temperatures rising significantly into the low-to-mid-twenties. Parts of Cork will see daily highs of around 24°C over the coming week, and it will feel hotter in direct sunlight, as winds will be very light to moderate. There is uncertainty over the end of the week, with the possibility of very heavy and sustained showers, but a clearer picture is not expected until Wednesday or Thursday.
Meanwhile, those who booked flights from Cork to the Canaries this week may be regretting their decision, as Storm Oscar is due to hit the islands tomorrow, an unusual June storm that could bring very heavy rain and the possibility of flooding. Thunderstorms have also been hitting a wide belt of southern Europe this morning, including Italy, Malta, the Adriatic, Croatia, and western parts of Greece and the islands.
The full forecast from Met Eireann for Munster this morning is as follows:
Today, Monday 5th June: Dry and sunny, although a little cloud may bubble up in the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 21 to 24°C in a light easterly breeze.
Tonight: Dry and clear with a light easterly breeze or near calm conditions. Lowest temperatures of 10 to 12°C.
Tomorrow, Tuesday: Another dry and sunny day, although patchy cloud may bubble up in the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 20 to 24°C in a light easterly breeze.
National Outlook Overview: High pressure will continue to dominate our weather this week, keeping things generally dry and warm with plenty of sunshine.
On Tuesday night, we can expect yet another dry and generally clear night, with lowest temperatures of 9 to 12°C in a light easterly breeze. Wednesday will also remain dry and sunny for most, although there is a chance of a light shower in Ulster. Highest temperatures of 20 to 24°C are expected for most, with the east and northeast slightly cooler, experiencing highs of 16 to 19°C in light to moderate easterly winds. Wednesday night will be dry and clear, with lowest temperatures of 10 to 13°C in a light easterly breeze.
Thursday will remain dry with hazy sunshine across the country, although some patchy cloud is possible in the southwest later. Highest temperatures of 17 to 20°C are expected in Leinster and east Ulster, and of 20 to 23°C elsewhere, in light to moderate easterly winds. Most of the country will stay dry on Friday, with spells of hazy sunshine. However, it is possible that it will be cloudier at times in the south and southwest, with the chance of some patchy rain and drizzle. Highest temperatures of 17 to 22°C, warmest in the west, are expected in moderate easterly winds. Next weekend will remain warm, with temperatures in the high teens or low twenties. There is uncertainty in the forecast, but there is a chance that some showers will move across the country from the south.
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