Met Eireann forecasts temperatures rising steadily before potentially reaching the mid-20s next week
07:16, 20 May 2026Updated 07:22, 20 May 2026
A man applies suncream to a woman on a beach in a stock image(Image: Getty Images)
Following what has seemed like a relentless period of overcast skies, cold conditions and rainfall, Ireland’s weather is finally set to take a significant turn for the better.
Recent forecasts from Met Éireann have generated increasing optimism that the country could soon witness its warmest period of 2026 to date, with temperatures anticipated to rise gradually over the coming days before potentially hitting the mid 20s next week.
The positive outlook continues, as long range weather models indicate that settled conditions could potentially persist well into June.
The national forecaster states high pressure is expected to establish itself near Ireland later this week. Throughout the summer months, high pressure is typically linked with warmer, sunnier and drier conditions – a pleasant contrast to the cool, damp and changeable weather frequently delivered by low pressure systems.
According to Met Éireann, temperatures will start climbing noticeably from Thursday, with highs of 19C anticipated before rising further to approximately 20C on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Nevertheless, next week is when the forecast becomes particularly promising. The meteorological service said: “Temperatures will continue to rise into next week, possibly reaching the mid-twenties at times, with some good sunshine, but also some showers or spells of rain.” While it may still be premature to confirm whether Ireland will officially record its first true heatwave of 2026, the latest forecast has sparked hopes of the warmest and most sustained period of sunshine witnessed so far this year.
Heatwaves are commonly defined as five consecutive days of above average temperatures, however Met Eireann previously told the Irish Mirror: “That is a working definition used by some other met offices, but the Met Eireann definition of a heatwave is five consecutive days of temperatures above 25C.”
Warmer weather is on the way(Image: Netweather.tv)
This means Ireland would require at least five straight days with mercury exceeding 25C to officially qualify as a heatwave.
There are growing indications that the improving conditions may not be short-lived. In an encouraging update for those hoping for a genuine start to summer, Met Eireann’s extended range forecast suggests that high pressure could dominate Irish weather for the next four weeks.
This could deliver warmer than average temperatures across the country, accompanied by below average rainfall and considerably more settled conditions.
For the period between May 25 and May 31, Met Eireann said: “High pressure will dominate our weather during week 1, bringing settled conditions with largely dry weather and sunshine. It will be warmer than average nationwide with rainfall amounts below average for all areas also.” Looking towards the opening week of June, it continued: “Current indications suggest that high pressure will remain the dominant driver of our weather during week 2. Settled conditions will continue as a result with warmer and drier than average conditions nationwide.”
For the week commencing June 8, the national forecaster explained: “Uncertainty increases in week 3 but current indications suggest that high pressure will remain nearby with generally settled conditions. It will stay warmer than average nationwide. While some showers or spells of rain cannot be ruled out, rainfall amounts will remain below average across the country.”
And for the timeframe between June 15 and June 21, Met Éireann noted: “Confidence is low in week 4 but there is a signal for continued high pressure and settled weather across Ireland. There may be some spells of rain or showers but rainfall amounts will be close to or slightly below average. Temperatures will stay above normal.”
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