Gimme those sweet, sweet rays.

We're set to see the hottest few days of the year this week, as temperatures are due to rise to a very respectable 23 and 24 degrees. Today (Tuesday) is due to be a bit of a scorcher with sunny spells breaking through the clouds at times. It'll be mainly dry but some northwest counties may see a bit of rain and considerably more cloud. Temperatures will generally range 20 to 23 degrees, and between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius closer to west and north coasts. And as it turns out, Wednesday will be even nicer. According to Met Éireann: "Wednesday will be another warm and mainly dry day with spells of summer sunshine, in just light northerly breezes. "Isolated showers will develop in southern coastal areas in the afternoon. Top temperatures of 20 to 24 degrees Celsius over most of the country. Slightly cooler once again though along north and northwest coasts, with highest temperatures of 16 to 19 degrees Celsius, owing to onshore breezes." Divine scenes all round. But if you fancied waiting until the weekend to enjoy the nice weather, you may need to rethink your plans, because Saturday in particular is looking likely to be a bit miserable. Things will be fairly cloudy on Friday night with outbreaks of rain spreading northwards over much of the country. On Saturday, showers will begin in the north soon becoming widespread and turning heavy and possibly thundery at times. Temperatures are set to remain between 17 and 21 degrees during this time but with the rain pouring down that way, it may as well be winter.