Temperatures to reach 29 degrees today as heat warning extended into Sunday

Very warm weather is set to continue with temperatures expected to reach 29 degrees on Friday and possibly over 30 degrees in some areas on Saturday.

Met Éireann said Friday will be “sunny, dry and very warm”. Some clouds will drift in at times across the west and northwest, but it will stay dry across the country.

Temperatures will rise well above average, with highs of 25 to 28 or 29 degrees. There will be lots of evening sunshine and dry weather. A very mild night is in store with lowest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees.

Temperatures this weekend could near all-time record highs in Ireland, as Met Éireann has forecast temperatures in the low 30s for parts of the country. The highest temperature ever recorded was 33.3 degrees at Kilkenny Castle in 1887.

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A number of Status Yellow high temperature warnings are in place today and over the weekend.

A warning currently in place for 14 counties - Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tipperary - will remain in effect until 6am on Saturday.

Temperatures of more than 27 degrees are forecast in many areas.

A high temperature warning for the entire country will be in place from noon on Saturday until 6am on Sunday.

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Marcella Inglesmith and her grandson Oakley Inglesmith (5) from Wicklow in the sea with large crowds enjoying the sunshine at Seapoint Strand near Monkstown Co. Dublin. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien/The Irish Times

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Saturday will be “another very warm day”, according to Met Éireann.

Temperatures will rise to between 26 and 29 or even 30 degrees with the warmest temperatures inland, away from the coast. A little cloud will push in across the west but it will be another largely dry day with light southerly breezes.

Temperatures will drop to 14 to 17 degrees on Saturday night.

Mild and very warm weather will continue through the weekend, but more unsettled and cooler weather will begin from next week.

Husband and wife Harry and Rita McAlinden from Cabinteely enjoy a dip at Seapoint Strand near Monkstown Co Dublin. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien

Sail boats with Howth Head in the background in Dublin Bay as seen from Seapoint Strand near Monkstown Co. Dublin. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien

Large crowds enjoying the sunshine at Seapoint Strand near Monkstown Co Dublin. Photogrph: Bryan O’Brien

Enjoying the good weather in Garden of Remembrance, Dublin on Thursday. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónail

It is expected to become rather cloudy on Sunday night. Outbreaks of rain will push in from the southwest and may be heavy and blustery at times. Lowest temperatures will range from 14 to 17 degrees.

Cloudy and unsettled weather with a band of rain will move over the country on Monday morning. Sunny spells and scattered showers are due throughout the day.

Highest temperatures will range from 18 to 22 degrees.