SWEALTEMBER

Temperatures are sizzling close to all time 117-year record

- NICOLA DONNELLY

IRELAND is set to bask in more glorious September sunshine for the rest of the weekend as the mercury soared to a sizzling 28.5C yesterday.

But, despite the near 30C temps, the all-time 117-year old September record was not broken.

The current top mark for the month of September here is 29.1C reported in Clongowes, Co Kildare, in 1906 According to Met Eireann's Emer Flood, most inland areas recorded temperatures yesterday of over 25 degrees.

She told us: "Provisionally, the highest temperature recorded so far on Friday was 28.5 degrees at our station in Oak Park, Co Carlow. As it stands, it's very unlikely the all time September record will be beat.

"Most inland areas recorded temperatures today over 25 degrees. The high temps are set to continue today as Met Eireann is forecasting sunny spells and some scattered showers with highest temperatures between 21 and 26 degrees.

The very warm and humid conditions will continue on Sunday before coming cooler from Monday onwards as temperatures are set to fall to between 15 and 19 degrees.