The yellow alert for high temperatures kicked in for 12 counties and will last until next Friday.

It will be mainly dry this week but some thunderstorms could occur later in the week and over the weekend.

Met Éireann has said temperatures could rise to 22 degrees over the weekend, with sunny weather to continue into next week.

The warm weather is set to continue on Monday, mostly dry with sunny spells improving as the day goes on.

Tuesday will be very warm with sunshine developing widely, with temperatures set to reach as high as 28 degrees.

Monday will be dry in Leinster and Munster with spells of hazy sunshine.

Friday will see highest temperatures of 18 to 22 degrees in light to moderate south or southeast breezes.