Hottest day of the year expected as temperatures to soar up to 27C

Temperatures are expected to reach 27C in parts of the country on Monday, making it the hottest day recorded so far this year. Phoenix Park in Dublin recorded 24.7C on Sunday, the highest temperature recorded this year. The west of Ireland stayed milder, with 14.7C in Belmullet, Co Mayo. Across Europe, Spain, Portugal, and the south of France saw temperatures in the high 30s, unusually high for early summer. Warm conditions are forecast to continue into Tuesday and Wednesday, with a slight dip in maximum temperatures. Temperatures are expected to fall from Thursday, with scattered showers and sunny spells. UV levels are expected to be high, with guidance to protect skin and eyes from ultraviolet radiation.

"For those intending to spend time outdoors over the coming days, the message from Met Éireann and the HSE is to "be sun smart by protecting your skin and eyes from ultraviolet radiation from the sun". "The UV is expected to be high this week," Ms Kenny said, with most of the country expected to fall within the moderate (3-5) rating and parts of Munster and Leinster to receive a high rating (6-7)."

Read at Irish Independent