Rain to sweep away heatwave as hosepipe ban officially begins

Ireland’s glorious run of sunshine is set to come to an end this weekend as rain finally makes a comeback after weeks of dry weather.

The country has basked in warm temperatures and blue skies for much of the past month, but forecasters say the settled spell is about to break.

According to weather forecasters, there is still plenty of sunshine to enjoy before conditions take a turn.

Thursday and Friday are expected to be the warmest days of the week, with temperatures climbing into the low 20s and possibly reaching the mid-20s in some areas as high pressure continues to dominate.

But don’t pack away the umbrella just yet.

Saturday is expected to bring the first widespread rainfall many parts of the country have seen in three or even four weeks, marking the end of Ireland’s lengthy dry spell.

While the rain won’t be a complete washout, cloudier skies will replace the sunshine, with the heaviest showers expected in western and north-western counties.

Forecasters say those areas could see between 5mm and 7mm of rain, while most other parts of the country are likely to receive 2mm to 5mm.

Some spots in the south-east could escape without seeing a drop.

The mixed conditions are expected to continue into Sunday, with more cloud, patches of mist and light drizzle, particularly across northern and western areas.

The good news is temperatures will remain pleasantly warm despite the change, meaning the return of the rain is unlikely to bring a major chill.

Meanwhile, the hosepipe ban comes into force across all of Ireland on Friday as Uisce Éireann urges households to help protect dwindling water supplies following weeks of exceptionally dry weather.

The temporary Water Conservation Order prohibits the use of hosepipes and other non-essential water uses in all areas, with the restrictions expected to remain in place until water levels recover.

Officials say the move is aimed at safeguarding supplies for homes, businesses and essential services as demand continues to outstrip available resources after one of the driest spells in recent years.

So, with the sunshine on its way out, and the rain due back by the weekend, if you had been enjoying what was essentially Ireland’s mini heatwave, now’s the time to squeeze in one last barbecue or beach trip before the wet weather returns.