Here comes the sun: Met Éireann says temperatures will rise to 17C today

UNSEASONABLY high temperatures will see mercury levels rising by up to a sizzling 17C in Kilkenny today.

There is more good news in store for tomorrow and Wednesday, but Met Éireann warned conditions will become unsettled again by the middle of the week

Temperatures will be positively balmy for the coming days, but the national forecaster said they fall back nearer to normal levels for this time of the year by the weekend.

Good spells of sunshine are forecast for today – with some weather charts show potential high temperatures of 17C in Kilkenny and parts of the country.

Carlow Weather’s Alan O’Reilly tweeted: “ECMWF showing up to 17c on Monday, may go find the shorts!”

Met Eireann said: “Monday will be dry, with good spells of sunshine developing after a misty and foggy start for some areas, especially parts of the east and south.

“Exceptionally mild, especially away from southern and eastern coasts. Maximum temperatures 12C to 16C, in mostly moderate to fresh southeasterly winds, but winds will be strong in Atlantic coastal areas.”

Tomorrow should be another mainly dry day with clear spells in the east and cloud elsewhere.

Sunny spells will develop later in the east, with temperatures hovering between 11C and 15C. However, temperatures are due to plummet overnight, with lows of between 0C and 6C predicted.

Wednesday will be dry and bright, with sunny spells. Daytime temperatures will remain in double figures, with highs of 11C to 15C expected again.

But things will take a turn from Thursday as heavier rain returns and temperatures head back towards normal.