Cork weather: Early verdict on whether June and July will bring ‘hottest summer’ heatwave

Need to knowEarly indications of a warmer-than-average summer in Ireland again

07:58, 07 May 2026Updated 08:07, 07 May 2026

Inchydoney beach, near Clonakilty(Image: Ken Welsh)

There are early indications that this summer could bring another sizzling heatwave, with a chance of a record-breaking summer in June and July after a fairly average start to May.

Before then, Cork and Munster are in for a weekend mix of hazy sunny spells and scattered showers. Some heavy showers are expected with the highest temperatures hitting the mid-teens over the weekend.

For anyone missing those lovely summery days we had in late April, some forecasts are hinting at the potential for an incredibly hot summer, the Irish Mirror has reported. Met Éireann’s verdict is that the likelihood of warmer-than-average temperatures is set to increase over the coming two months. In its seasonal outlook for May, June and July, it stated: “The signal from the C3S seasonal models for Ireland during the May, June, July (MJJ) period is for above average temperatures.

“Mean temperatures during MJJ are signalled to be above average overall. Temperatures are likely to trend between 0.2 and 1.0C above average generally. The potential for warmer-than-average temperatures increases through June and July.”

Bookmakers have jumped on the positive weather outlook. According to Ladbrokes, odds on “Summer 2026 to be the hottest on record” have been slashed from 4/1 to 2/1, as punters back the prospect of a prolonged spell of warm conditions. Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes commented: “Who needs to go abroad for the sun? It looks like we could be in for a record-breaking summer for all the right reasons.”

However, Met Éireann says forecasters are less certain about rainfall predictions. It noted: “The rainfall forecast is less certain with no clear signal for above or below average rainfall overall. There is potential for both wetter and drier spells within the three months.”

Heatwaves are often described as periods of several consecutive days with above-average temperatures. Met Éireann say: “That is a working definition used by some other met offices; the Met Éireann definition of a heatwave is five consecutive days of temperatures above 25 °C.”

In the meantime, here’s the latest for Cork and Munster:Today: There will be some scattered showers, but overall, a good deal of dry weather across Cork today. We could see some sunny spells early on, but clouds will increase throughout the day. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees with light to moderate south to southwest winds.Tonight: A mix of cloud and clear spells, with scattered light showers that will become more isolated as the night goes on. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 6 degrees in light variable winds.Tomorrow: A mix of hazy sunny spells and scattered showers tomorrow. Some may turn heavy before eventually dying out through the evening. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees in mainly light northerly or variable winds. Becoming dry with clear spells on Friday night, although some cloud may linger in the south. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 8 degrees in light to moderate northerly winds, increasing fresh at times in parts of the south.

National overview:

Saturday: There is uncertainty in the forecast for Saturday but current indications suggest dry weather with sunny spells for many areas but with cloudier conditions with the chance of a shower in southern areas. Breezy with a moderate to fresh northerly wind and highest temperatures of 9 to 14 degrees.Saturday night: Mainly dry with clear spells but cloudier in southern coastal parts with showery rain at times. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 8 degrees in light to moderate northerly winds.Sunday: Any cloud or showery rain in southern parts will clear away early, otherwise plenty of dry weather for the morning with sunny spells. Cloud will increase from the north through the day with the possibility of isolated showers. Highest temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees in a light to moderate northerly breeze.Sunday night: Cloud and light showers moving into northern parts overnight while remaining dry elsewhere with clear spells. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 8 degrees in light north to northwest winds.Monday: A mix of cloud and sunny spells in the morning with light showers tracking southwards, before turning dry with good spells of sunshine from the north through the afternoon. Highest temperatures of 9 to 14 degrees, coolest in the north, in light to moderate northerly winds.Follow corklive: