Hot stuff as up to 28 degrees expected early next week

Weather unlike any we have seen in seven years is set to hit the country throughout the weekend and into next week.

Temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high 20s, up as high as 27-28 degrees by Monday and Tuesday, according to Met Éireann meteorologist Joan Blackburn.

Met Éireann forecaster John Eagleton says we can expect "nice summer weather" that should continue for the next 10 days because of an area of high pressure hovering around Ireland for a prolonged period.

While temperatures are expected to stay mild along the coast tomorrow, at 17 to 20 degrees, inland areas in the south and east including Munster and Leinster can expect dry conditions at up to 23-25 degrees.

In the northwest, parts of Connacht and Ulster will be cloudy with potential for rain, but by Sunday, sunshine will develop throughout Ireland and remain into next week.

England and Scotland can expect similar weather, although more so in England.

Monday and Tuesday will bring the highest temperatures, up to 28 degrees.