ALERT: Irish weather forecast predicts temperatures of 19C over next few days

Weather models are still showing an improving situation in Ireland for next week - from Tuesday to Saturday it is looking warmer and dryer, according to forecaster Alan O'Reilly. 

He added: "Possibility of some hotter weather heading into the Canary Islands and Spain too.

"An interesting setup now for Sunday (May 5) with latest models showing some good sunny spells possible with rain just catching the very south coast possibly.

"Temperatures getting up to 16c or 17c for many too.

"A much better looking Sunday ahead now with most of the rain just stalling off the south coast. Getting warmer too so hopefully the heating can finally stay off for a few months."

Met Éireann's four-day forecast is below: 

Monday: A mostly cloudy day with some patchy outbreaks of rain and drizzle at times. Becoming largely dry by the evening with sunny spells developing in parts. Highest temperatures of 11 to 16 degrees, in a light to moderate northerly wind.

Overview: Becoming mostly settled and dry with high pressure building.Monday night: Largely dry with clear spells developing. Remaining mostly cloudy in the northwest. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in a light northerly breeze.

Tuesday: Tuesday looks to be a brighter and drier day with cloudy conditions in the west during the morning, giving way to good spells of sunshine. Highest temperatures of 12 to 17 degrees, in a light northerly breeze.

Tuesday night: Dry with clear spells for much of the night. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 8 degrees in light variable breezes.

Wednesday: Bright and largely dry with long spells of sunshine, and just patches of rain and drizzle possible in the west at times. Highest temperatures of 13 to 19 degrees, in a light to moderate south to southwest wind.

Wednesday night: Mostly dry overnight with long clear spells, along with some showers in the northwest spreading eastwards. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees, with light to moderate southwest breezes.

Thursday: A largely dry day with isolated showers over the northern half of the country. Likely mostly cloudy too with the odd sunny spell. Highest temperatures of 16 to 19 degrees, with light variable winds.