Highest temperature records for April have been broken at 16 weather stations across Ireland, provisional data from Met Éireann has shown.
However, the record for the highest-ever April temperature is still 25.8C, which was recorded in Co Donegal in 1984.
The highest temperature recorded so far today was 25.7C in Newport, Co Mayo.
Co Galway recorded the second highest temperature, with the mercury hitting 25.3C in Athenry.
The weather station in Mount Dillon, Co Roscommon recorded 25C.
Three other weather stations recorded temperatures of 24C or above.
They were Shannon Airport (24C), Casement, Co Dublin (24C) and Valentia, Co Kerry (24.7C).
Met Éireann said it is only the second time temperatures above 25C have been recorded in April.
The forecaster also added it was the second-highest “earliest climatological summer day”.
Earlier, Met Éireann meteorologist Aoife Kealy today is set to be the warmest day of the year so far, with the warmest temperatures across the west and west Midlands.
A southeasterly airflow will moderate temperatures to the east, she said, but most areas are likely to hit or get above 20C.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne, Ms Kealy said that heat can act as fuel for heavy showers, and these might break out in the afternoon once the heat builds up.
There may also be some thunder, she added.
However, the showers should move quickly and will die off this evening, she said.
Ms Kealy said there is a lot of dry weather ahead for the bank holiday weekend, with temperatures in the mid to high teens. But she said it should feel cooler from tomorrow.
Tomorrow will be cooler and cloudier in the north, but will remain warm in the south, she said, but by Friday, all the warmer air will have gone, and temperatures will fall back to the mid to high teens.
“It’ll still be warmer than normal for many parts of the country and with the benefit of the sunshine it will feel quite warm still, just not as warm as it will feel today.”
The HSE has warned the public to stay “sun smart” during the warm weather.
Clothing that covers as much skin as possible, lots of broad-spectrum sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and time in the shade are advised even when it appears cloudy.
Deputy Head of Forecasting at Met Éireann Liz Coleman said: “The higher the UV index, the higher the risk of skin and eye damage. When the UV index is three or above, you need to protect your skin and eyes by following the Healthy Ireland SunSmart five S’s.
“Also don’t assume that just because there is cloud that the sun’s rays are not damaging. Be prepared and plan ahead by checking the UV forecast on Met Éireann’s website.”
