Clearing skies set to bring hottest day of the year

Wednesday is set to become the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures due to rise to 25 degrees in parts of the country this afternoon.

While fog and mist continues to hang over many parts of the country, sunshine is expected to break through in most areas pushing temperatures up into the mid twenties.

Met Éireann meteorologist Pat Clarke warned that fog "has a life of its own" and that it was difficult to predict whether it would rise by the end of the day. "There's a lot of fog over the Irish sea which won't rise and may lap into coastal districts. But it has lifted in Dublin airport and it could get over 25 degrees but you need prolonged sunshine for that."

The warmest day on the island so far this year was recorded in Castlederg in Co Tyrone where temperatures reached 25.2 degrees.

While most parts of the country will enjoy Wednesday's warm weather, north Munster and south Connacht are most likely to experience the highest temperatures, added Mr Clarke.

He warned there was still a risk of showers in parts of the country but not as severe as the downpours in recent days.

The warm, humid weather will continue into Thursday with temperatures reaching the low 20s. However, temperatures will begin to fall over the weekend to the normal 16-19 degrees for June.

Friday will be cloudy with showery outbreaks and the rain will become heavy in the east during the afternoon and evening. There will be more sunshine on Saturday but scattered showers are due to break out in the afternoon and evening with highest temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees. Sunday will also be cloudy with rain and similar temperatures between 15 to 20.