Long hot summer

Met Eireann says average temps hotter than usual for next 3mths.

- SEAN MURPHY

IRELAND is heading for a hot and dry summer with a heatwave on the way, Met Eireann said yesterday.

The State forecaster warned in its outlooks that this month, as well as July and August, look set to be drier than average.

Experts also said the country might see more or less normal rainfall, but temperatures will be higher than usual.

Met Eireann said: "The seasonal outlook for June, July and August for Ireland during summer is for above average temperatures with near average rainfall overall.

"Above average temperatures are very likely with the likelihood of above higher than normal values increasing as the season progresses.

"The mean temperatures are forecast to be between 0.5C and 1C above average countrywide.