This week set to be sunniest and hottest so far this year

It is set to be Ireland’s sunniest and hottest week this year so far as temperatures are expected to soar to 23 degrees.

The good news does not end there as forecasters predict the sunshine will continue through the bank holiday weekend and get even warmer next week.

Ireland's temperatures on Monday were expected to be warmer than Lisbon in Portugal, most of France and equal to those of Milan in Italy.

While parts of the UK brace for rain and thundery downpours, Met Éireann forecast long spells of sunshine across all of Ireland on Monday.

Forecaster Deirdre Lowe said it looked set to be Ireland hottest week so far for 2016 and temperatures were above normal for this time of the year.

“It’s very good temperatures this week. Wall-to-wall sunshine today,” she said.

“Tuesday is dry practically everywhere and it could possibly reach 23 degrees in some parts,” she said.

Ms Lowe said the good weather looked set to continue through the bank holiday weekend.

“It looks quite good. Maybe one or two showers but generally speaking nice sunshine and high temperatures,” she said.

“Sunny in most parts although Kerry is at risk of some rain next Monday.”

Temperatures reached as high as 22 degrees at Shannon airport and 21 degrees at Cork airport. The southwest was due to have a few showers later in the day. The lowest recorded temperature of 13 degrees was at Malin Head

It will get even hotter on Tuesday with more sunshine and the rain staying away in most areas, according to Met Éireann.

Forecasters predict western Ireland and the midlands area will have the warmest weather this week, and it will be a few degrees cooler along the coast due to breezes.

Leinster will have a dull day on Thursday with some drizzle and the odd shower. It will be slightly cooler as temperatures will be between 14-20 degrees with fresh northeast winds.

However, on Friday the clouds will clear for a bright and sunny day with temperatures reaching 22 degrees.

Rainfall is well below average for this time of year and higher temperatures are expected next week.

As the warm weather is set to continue and school holidays are almost here, Irish Water Safety deputy chief executive Roger Sweeney warned it was vital parents closely supervised their children while near or in water.

“Supervision needs to be constant and uninterrupted. More than a classroom of children, 32, under 14-years-old have drowned in the last 10 years,” he said.

“We need to instil a healthy respect in children for our aquatic environment- to encourage good habits to prevent tragic scenarios.”

Mr Sweeney said although the air temperatures have been warmer in recent days, the water would still be cold in the sea, lakes, canals and waterways.

“ People risk getting hypothermia during extended stays in the water,” he said.

“Also remember drowning is a silent killer. Swim with others, never alone, and keep close and parallel to shores, and within your depth.”

Mr Sweeney said an average of 11 people drowned every month in Ireland, and about a third of adult drowning victims had consumed alcohol.

“People should not over estimate their ability or under estimate the risk of the environment because they’re lulled into a false sense of security in this nice weather.”

Mr Sweeney said life guard season in coastal areas had not yet started and 62 per cent of drownings happened in inland waterways.

“People need to beware of currents, under water entanglements, and before you jump into the water, make sure there’s an easy way for you to get out.”

The Irish Cancer Society has asked people to reapply sunscreen every two hours, stay in the shade when possible, wear sunglasses to protect eyes from damage and wear a hat.

It said skin cancer is the most common type in Ireland and caused by UV rays from the sun in most cases.

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), which represents 2,200 pharmacists across the country, said May, June and July are the peak season for hay fever.

It said one in five people in Ireland suffer hay fever, which is an allergic reaction to pollen from flowers, trees and grasses and involves symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose and headaches.

Pharmacist Ann Marie Horan said people could reduce symptoms by keeping doors and windows closed at home, washing your face, hands and hair when you come back indoors and avoid working in the garden.