Beach goers rejoice as temperatures set to hit 20 degrees this weekend

The country might dare to prepare for summer this weekend with forecasters suggesting widespread sunshine and temperatures as high as 20 degrees.

While the lead into the weekend will be a bit mixed across the country, the expectation is that cloud and rainy conditions will all but disappear by Saturday.

"Long spells of warm sunshine are expected on Sunday with just the small chance of a few showers developing in the west," Met Éireann said.

“Maximum temperatures of 17 to 20 degrees generally but a little cooler on coasts as sea breezes develop.”

Committee urged not to rush decisions on surrogacy law

---

Bathing water quality improving but issues still to be addressed – EPA

---

The end of an era for the iPod that changed the world

---

Ireland misses out on Eurovision Song Contest final spot

---

With that outlook likely to prompt a surge of beach visits, there is some further good news – the latest analysis of water conditions in Ireland shows an improvement in conditions.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday, the large majority of bathing water in the country (78 per cent) is now of excellent quality, although anyone hoping to run through the dunes over the weekend may still have to watch out for other pollution.

“Agriculture, urban wastewater and fouling from dogs on beaches still impact the quality of bathing waters,” the agency said.

Still, with 97 per cent of all sites having at least the minimum water quality standard, it looks like a good time to get back to the beach.

Friday might give the wrong impression for anyone making plans – the day will see plenty of showers and cloudy weather but this is due to pass in favour of nicer conditions.

Met Éireann forecasters say with temperatures peaking at between 16 and 19 degrees, Saturday will also see cloud and mist clearing in the afternoon to make way for similar conditions.

Sunday is likely to take the prize though, with “long spells of warm sunshine”, just a hint of rain in the west, and temperatures reaching between 17 and 20 degrees, if a little cooler around the coasts.

The final day of the weekend would seem an opportune time for the reopening of Sceilg Mhichíl in Co Kerry for its first full seasons since 2019 – weather considerations having moved it from Saturday.

According to Carlow Weather, evening conditions over the coming days are also improving. Friday night should be dry with minimum temperatures of between 6 and 9 degrees, and 5 to 8 degrees on Saturday, according to the website.

Mostly dry early on Sunday night too, it says, with temperatures bottoming out at between 9 and 12 degrees. And while rain will reappear in the southwest before dawn on Monday, by that time the weekend will be over.