THE BALM BEFORE THE STORM

Mercury to hit 23C today... but thunder and rain set to follow

- BY CATHAL RYAN

TEMPERATURES are set to shoot up to 23C again today, as Ireland's lengthy sunshine spell continues - but thunderstorms are looming.

Met Eireann has forecast "mixed conditions" at first this week with showers or longer spells of rain to hit this afternoon and evening, and tomorrow morning before settled conditions return later in the week and for next weekend.