Ireland had its warmest day of the year so far yesterday - but today is set to be even hotter.

The mercury hit 27 degrees yesterday, but it's expected parts of the country will be a little hotter at 28 degrees later, particularly the midlands.

Dublin had 15 hours of unbroken sunshine yesterday and Met Eireann says a similar fine day is in store today.

As temperatures rose yesterday the dangers of swimming after drinking were highlighted.

Drink Aware.ie warned that alcohol consumption is a factor in nearly one third of drownings in Ireland each year.

Meanwhile, ESB networks has reminded the public that swimming in any of its reservoirs is illegal - and potentially dangerous.

As well as boosting sales of ice cream and buckets and spades, it's prompted a heat warning from Met Eireann.

Deirdre Lowe is one of their forecasters: