Temperatures set to reach 26 degrees in coming days

Umbrellas look set to be converted into parasols for the next week at least with temperatures likely to reach the mid-20s on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Having failed to materialise until now, the much-anticipated “Leaving Cert weather” looks set to belatedly arrive in the coming days, which forecasters are predicting will be five or six degrees warmer than average for this time of year.

The sustained front of high pressure hovering over the country means some spots may enjoy temperatures of up to 25 or 26 degrees celcius during Wednesday, with the midlands faring best on what could be the hottest day of the year so far.

While the mercury won’t reach the dizzying highs of over 30 degrees experienced last summer quite yet, such sunny spells still offer a welcome respite from the largely dull and overcast conditions which have persisted in recent weeks.

Sun worshippers are encouraged to make the best of the good weather while they can, as the warm conditions are expected to gradually abate from Thursday onwards when a band of fresh air from the north is forecast to work its way across the country, with temperatures falling back to 16 or 17 degrees by next weekend.