Met Éireann pinpoint 23C sunshine amid major Ireland mini heatwave update

Met Éireann has delivered its latest glorious weather forecast for Ireland with 23C heat to return to the country this week after a shock shower of rain on Sunday.

Forecasters say there will be "mixed conditions at first" this week "with showers or longer spells of rain, before settled conditions return later in the week and for next weekend."

The forecast for Monday reads: "Cloud and patchy rain or drizzle in the north and east this morning, with sunny spells in other areas. The cloud and rain or drizzle will move southwest this afternoon and evening and it will brighten up a bit in the north and east. Highest temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees with light to moderate northerly or variable winds.

"Dry and clear in most areas tonight but it will be cloudier with showers in the south, some heavy with a slight chance of thunder. Patches of mist will form in light to moderate northerly or easterly winds. Lowest temperatures of 8 to 12 degrees.

"There will be a good amount of dry and sunny weather [on Tuesday] but some showers will develop too, mainly over the southern half of the country. Some of the showers will be heavy and thunderstorms are possible. Highest temperatures of 18 to 23 degrees, warmest in the west and north, in a light to moderate easterly breeze.

READ NEXT: Thunderstorms and plenty of rain expected before 25 degree blast later this week

"Becoming dry overnight with clear spells. Temperatures not falling below 8 to 11 degrees, with light easterly breezes.

"Sunshine to begin [on Wednesday], with showers developing in the west and southwest later on. Highest temperatures of 16 to 22 degrees, coolest near the east coast in a moderate easterly breeze.

"Likely a dry day [Thursday] with long spells of sunshine. Highest temperatures of 16 to 23 degrees, warmest in the west and southwest with light easterly breezes.

"Dry with long spells of sunshine [on Friday also]. Highest temperatures of 16 to 21 degrees in a moderate easterly breeze."

Beyond that and into the weekend, Met Éireann says: "High pressure will likely become dominant through the weekend, bringing mainly fine and settled conditions. Daytime highs in high teens or low 20s, in mostly light to moderate easterly breezes."