The unusually dry spell has left much of the country in near-drought conditions, according to Met Éireann.
Many parts of the country have enjoyed at least 15 consecutive days with no rain. "It has not been typical March weather," a Met Éireann spokesman said. "Most places have received over twice the normal amount of sunshine in the past couple of weeks, with the midland areas faring the best."
The highest temperature of 18.3 degrees was recorded in Valencia weather station, Co Kerry, on Wednesday.
The dry weather conditions have kept the Dublin Fire Brigade busy, with gorse and bush fires reported on a daily basis.
"We've had two gorse fires today in Glencullen, Co Wicklow, and on the Blackglen Road near Sandyford, Co Dublin," a fire officer said yesterday.
"We've been putting out gorse and grass fires on a daily basis since the fine weather started," he added.
However, farmers around the country will be relieved to hear that the recent dry spell will be interrupted today with some showers.
But Met Éireann is forecasting that today's rain won't last longer than tonight, with a quick return to sunshine.