Temperatures could reach 25C in some areas this afternoon as the country catches a brief glimpse of summer sunshine.

Met Éireann is forecasting highest temperatures of between 20 and 25 degrees today with a light southerly or variable breeze.

The forecaster says the day will start off cloudy with patches of mist and drizzle – with fog expected on the south coast.

It said the cloud will gradually thin and break this afternoon, with spells of sunshine developing in warm and humid conditions.

Tonight will be mild and clear; however, “patchy low cloud, mist and fog will increase through the night”.

Tomorrow is expected to be warm once again with highest temperatures of 19 to 24 degrees.

However, things will remain mostly cloudy with limited sunny spells and patchy drizzle, mist and fog in the morning.

Friday is expected to see temperatures hitting as high as 22C; however, however it will be blustery with sunshine and widespread passing showers – some of which will be thundery across Atlantic counties.

Saturday will see spells of sunshine and showery rain with highest temperatures of between 16C to 20C, while Sunday will be similar with temperatures possibly reaching 21C.