PACK AWAY the sunscreen and barbeques for another while, say the forecasters, as cooler weather moves in today to replace the late spring heatwave over the weekend.
Temperatures everywhere are expected to drop from the mid-20 degrees experienced over much of the country on Saturday and Sunday, though the good weather should hang on for another day in southern parts.
However, the week should be mostly dry and there is hope of a rise in temperatures again before next weekend, according to Met Éireann.
Saturday was the hottest day of the year so far and Mount Dillon in Co Roscommon was the hottest place in the country on the day. It recorded a maximum of almost 26 degrees, while temperatures almost everywhere away from coasts reached 24 degrees. Yesterday, it was a degree or so cooler in most places but still well above the average for this time of year.
This weekends temperatures are unusual but not unheard of, according to forecaster Siobhán Ryan of Met Éireann. It was hotter on Saturday than at any time during May 2008, the warmest, driest and sunniest May on record, when the mercury reached a high of 25 degrees.
The balmy weather, occurring a week before summer officially begins, encouraged large numbers to head for the beaches. The AA reported heavy traffic around seaside locations such as Ballybunion in Co Kerry, Salthill in Galway city and Dunmore East and Tramore in Co Waterford.
A weak cold front was forecast to pass over the country last night bringing drizzle in some northern parts, but today should be mostly warm and dry.
Temperatures will remain over 20 degrees in the south, but are likely to fall to about 18 degree elsewhere, and many areas will suffer gusts.
The general decline in temperatures will continue, though many areas will have sunshine and the winds will move northerly. From Thursday, it should start getting warmer again. Although the winds will move around again to the north, disruption to air traffic from Icelands Eyjafjallajiökull volcano is thought unlikely. Only a small amount of ash is being emitted, according to latest reports from the University of Iceland.
