Sunsational weather

Ireland basks in perfect conditions forecasters say will remain for Bank Holiday

- SEAN MURPHY

IRELAND is set for a week of sunshine with Met Eireann forecasting today will be the warmest day of the year so far.

The State weather service said the fine weather could continue into next week through to the coming bank holiday weekend.

With temperatures pushing 25C in the shade, sunbathers were warned values are much higher.

Met Eireann's website said: "Temperature measured in direct sunshine could be up to 10C or 15C higher in warm and sunny weather.

This is why temperature measurements are made in a standard enclosure out of direct sunshine."

Weather presenter Helen Curran encouraged the public to learn about the HSE's summer Sun Smart Campaign to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

She said: "The high pressure will lead to a high UV index.

"Keep your skin safe in the sun while this high pressure is keeping most of the cloud away.

"We will see wall-to-wall sunshine. There will be plenty of sunshine to be enjoyed.

"Temperatures generally will range between 20C and 24C with it being warmer in the west.

"The weather is pretty much going to be like this for the week ahead dry, warm, and sunny.