LAST UPDATE | 13 Jun 2021

TODAY IS OFFICIALLY the hottest day of the year so far.

A temperature of 24.6 degrees celsius was recorded by Met Éireann at a weather station in Oak Park, Co Carlow.

This surpasses the previous record of 23.1 degrees at Newport Furnace in Co Mayo, set on 30 May.

The country woke up to a warm and sunny Sunday, but it was short-lived in many parts as mixed cloud cover featured throughout the day.

Today’s forecast is for dry weather in most areas for the day with sunny spells especially in the east and south, but a bit cloudier in Atlantic coastal areas. 

There will be isolated mist or fog patches also along south coasts with more persistent rain and drizzle developing along west and northwest coasts later on.

Mostly dry & warm today with sunny spells🌤️, but cloudy☁️ in Atlantic coastal areas with a little patchy drizzle possible near coasts.

More persistent rain & drizzle🌧️ will develop along west & northwest coasts later. Highs🌡️ of 15 to 24°C, coolest in Atlantic coastal counties. pic.twitter.com/QISuyIxIwD

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) June 13, 2021

Maximum temperatures will range between 19 and 24 degrees but it will be cooler in Atlantic coastal areas with temperatures ranging between 15 and 19 degrees. 

Met Éireann has said UV levels will be high today in sunny parts and are urging people to precautions. 

Tonight will see rain and drizzle become more widespread across Ulster, Connacht and west Munster but this will clear giving way to dry conditions. 

Monday will be a bright and dry day with sunny spells and just a few isolated showers in the north and northwest, according to Met Éireann. 

But changeable weather is on the way, the forecaster has said, with some rain on the horizon and a cooler week ahead from Wednesday. 

 Additional reporting by Nicky Ryan