Temperatures in Ireland to soar this week as orange fire warning issued

'Above average temperatures for late April' are expected.

This comes as the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued an Orange warning over a "high fire risk".

According to Met Éireann's national forecast, this week will see "dry and sunny" conditions for most, as temperatures rise throughout the week.

Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees are expected for Wednesday (22 April), followed by highs of 13 to 18 degrees on Thursday.

As for Friday, the Irish meteorological service writes: "Another dry, fine sunny day for most, again with no more than moderate southeasterly breezes.

"Warm in sunshine with afternoon highs of 14 to 21 degrees, best values again further west.

"Some thundery showers may feed into southwest counties."

The rest of the weekend, meanwhile, is set to remain "mostly dry with light winds and good spells of sunshine, as well as above average temperatures for late April".

"However, some scattered thundery showers may feed up in the flow," the forecast adds.

This rise in temperatures will coincide with the Orange high fire risk warning from the Department of Agriculture.

Already in effect, the alert is scheduled to last until midday on Monday, 27 April.

The Orange warning reads: "A high fire risk exists in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist. Be prepared. Be vigilant."