Could this be the hottest December on record?

It’s shaping up to be the hottest December on record.

Temperatures in Westmeath ranged between 12 - 15 degrees during the last week.

That’s 5 degrees above average for this time of year.

In Malin Head, a temperature reading of 16 degrees was recorded at 4 in the morning!

There’s Sahara Dust in the air and while it's good news for the heating bill, it all makes for an unusual, if not uncomfortable, conditions coming up to Christmas - especially if you are an asthma suffer.

Temperatures for this time of year are normally around 7-10 degrees Celsius. That's according Cathal Nolan of the Midland Weather Channel.

“The main reason for this warm weather is the location of the Jet Stream. For the last couple of months it’s lying to the north of us, which means warm, and even balmy weather.

“It is due to drop to the south of us next week, just in time for Christmas, so hopefully we can expect more ‘normal’ conditions for this time of year."

Cathal said there is a possibility of a high pressure system moving across Ireland around Stephen’s Day, which would bring cool and clear conditions, and therefore a respite to flooded areas in the county.

Overall however the weather looks to be rather unsettled.

Early next week strong winds from the west will push squally showers from the Atlantic right across the country.