Rainfall varied sharply across the country last week.

Parts of Connacht and north Ulster were soaked, with up to 49mm falling — nearly three times the average.

Meanwhile, it was exceptionally dry in the south and east, where some stations recorded less than 2mm.

This week looks mostly dry and settled, with just a few light showers in the north and west early on. Rainfall totals will range from 0mm in the southeast to 7mm in the northwest.

According to Met Éireann, last week’s air temperatures were near normal, but the coming days will be warmer, with highs of 16 to 19°C and soil temperatures staying well above average.

Sunshine levels were generally close to normal, though Cork enjoyed over 43 hours while Knock lagged behind with just 12. This week, expect sunnier skies, especially in the south and east.

Ireland is set to enjoy a stretch of warm, settled weather this week, with sunshine and rising temperatures dominating the days ahead.

High pressure will keep things mostly dry and bright through Friday, particularly in the east and south, where temperatures could climb as high as 28°C.

However, as the weekend approaches, signs of a change emerge, with rain and showers returning to the west and more unsettled conditions likely by early next week.