Temperatures soar as dry spell takes hold
Shannon Airport in County Clare was the warmest spot in Ireland on Monday when the mercury level rose to 18°C.
In stark contrast, Roches Point in County Cork remained much cooler due to a moderate southeasterly wind and extensive cloud cover.
At 10.7°C, the South Cork station was 7.3°C colder than Shannon.
It was much milder further north with both Sligo and Belfast registering 17°C at 4.00 p.m.
Ireland enjoyed plenty of sunshine on Monday, closing out a drier-than-usual March with clear skies across many regions.
The best of the sunshine occured in the Midlands, Munster, and Connacht.
Northern, eastern, and southern coastal counties remained under extensive cloud cover.
A high-pressure system developing to the northeast will bring more widespread sunshine throughout the week.
The warmest spots will be inland, away from the east and southeast coasts, where a moderate easterly breeze will keep things cooler.
Expect highs of 16-18°C in most regions, though the east and southeast will see temperatures between 10-13°C.
It will feel much warmer in locations sheltered from the prevailing wind.
