Summer scorcher predicted in Ireland this year!

A WELL-known weather forecaster predicts Ireland is finally set for a summer scorcher after years of washouts.

Ken Ring, the long-range forecaster from New Zealand, who predicted Ireland's recent Arctic winters, uses the moon, sun and tidal activity to make his forecasts months in advance.

The weather guru is predicting a wet spring with the inclement rain of December expected to continue for the first three months of this year.

But he is forecasting that there could be a heat wave reminiscent of the Mediterranean-style temperatures of 1995 with three largely dry months.

In July, he says temperatures will reach a tropical 30 degrees with possibly drought conditions expected in August followed by a balmy September.

Overall the forecaster, who is followed closely by Irish farmers, expects 2013 to be a warmer year than last year.

"2013 should be a warmer year, wet for the first three months, then a season that may remind people of the summer of 1995, with long dry spells, especially the first half of July," he said.

Mr Ring, a regular face on Australia's Channel Seven, said the Irish public could finally expect some rays of sunshine this summer.

He is recommending people take their summer holidays in Ireland in the first half of July or the second half of August.

But he is also listing April 16 to April 25, May 12 to May 19 and June 17 to 25 as optimum times for booking a week in the sun in Ireland.

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