Island of Ireland to bask in above-average temperatures across the week

The island of Ireland is set to bask in well above average temperatures and sunshine this week.

The mercury was expected to hit 17C in the Republic of Ireland on Monday, and up to 16C in Northern Ireland on Thursday, above the maximum average temperature of 12C for April.

The sudden climb in temperatures has been attributed to a patch of high pressure across the UK and Ireland this week.

Met Eireann has forecast sunny spells, and just a small chance of an isolated light shower across Monday with temperatures expected to reach 17C.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said in Northern Ireland, warm weather is expected to continue across the week with a high of 16C forecast in the west of the region on Thursday.

“A dry, fine and sunny week is likely for Northern Ireland, and a good deal of sunshine with high pressure the dominant force for the UK’s weather which will lead to largely fine, dry and sunny conditions through the week,” he said.

“Temperatures will be well above average for the time of year.

“In Northern Ireland throughout the week, temperatures could be in the mid to high teens, possibly getting up as high as 16C on Thursday, which is well above average for this time of year, Northern Ireland’s average maximum temperature in April is 12C.”