Sunshine heralds start of long dry period

High pressure situated close to Ireland will bring settled conditions and sunshine for the next fortnight.

It will remain completely dry in most locations, while temperatures will range from 2 to 3 C above average for the period.

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.

Overnight frosts will likely form in sheltered inland locations from midweek, but most places will remain above freezing.

By the weekend, there’s a chance winds may shift to the northeast or north, bringing a slight drop in daytime temperatures.

Next week might turn slightly cloudier, but the dry, settled weather will largely persist.

Some showers may drift into southern and western coastal counties next week.

This week’s easterly breeze will create ideal drying conditions.

With soil temperatures currently 2 to 4°C above average, grass growth is expected to pick up as the week goes on.