IRELAND IS SET to bask in temperatures of up to 27 degrees today, with Met Éireann forecasting what could become the hottest spell of the year so far.

The warm weather is expected to continue across much of the country through midweek, bringing long spells of sunshine and unusually high temperatures for late May.

Met Éireann said that today will be “warm and dry with long spells of sunshine”, with highs generally ranging from 22 to 27 degrees.

Leinster and Munster are expected to see the warmest conditions, although coastal parts of the west and north may remain slightly cooler due to sea fog and cloud.

The forecaster said Tuesday could become even warmer in some areas, with temperatures again expected to climb as high as 28 degrees in parts of Munster.

Sunday already saw the highest temperatures recorded so far this year, with the Phoenix Park in Dublin reaching a provisional 24.9 degrees.

While the country enjoys what many have dubbed ‘Leaving Cert weather’, Met Éireann warned that conditions are expected to turn more unsettled towards the bank holiday weekend.

Wednesday is forecast to remain warm and sunny, with highs of up to 27 degrees, before temperatures dip slightly on Thursday as cloud, patchy rain and drizzle move in from the west.

By Friday and into the long weekend, forecasters say a return to more unsettled conditions is likely, with showers and rain expected in many areas and temperatures dropping back to the mid-to-high teens.

Met Éireann has also urged people to be “sun smart” over the coming days, warning that UV levels will be high, particularly across parts of Munster and Leinster.

The HSE advises people spending long periods outdoors to wear sunscreen, seek shade where possible and protect their skin and eyes from ultraviolet radiation.