High Temperature Warning Issued for Ireland with Temperatures Up to 30C Possible

A high temperature warning for all of Ireland will come into effect at midday, with temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius possible in some areas. The warning states that maximum temperatures could reach in excess of 27C and are likely to drop no lower than 15C at night. Potential impacts include water safety issues at lakes and beaches, the 'possibility' of forest fires, uncomfortable sleeping conditions and heat stress. The warning will be in operation until 6am tomorrow. Uncomfortable sleeping conditions and heat stress were also listed as potential impacts of the high temperatures. The forecaster added that forest fires are a possibility. Senior Forecaster with Met Éireann Gerry Murphy has said that temperatures will approach record levels for July, but perhaps will not reach them this weekend. Mr Murphy said that the current temperatures represent a hot spell rather than a heatwave, as it will last only four days before getting cooler next week. He said that the midlands will be the hottest part of the country, in particular counties Westmeath and Roscommon in particular. Met Éireann has forecasted temperatures in the 'low 30s' for the weekend. The RNLI has urged people planning to head for a swim in the sea or on waterways to exercise caution and be aware of rip currents. Water Safety Ireland has also said that amid the sunshine and rising tides, the risk to people also goes up and urged people to enjoy activities in and around water responsibly.

Met Eireann has issued to Status Yellow warnings for tomorrow. The first is for high temperatures and covers Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Donegal, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Connacht. Temperatures are expected to be 27C or higher and the warning will be in effect from midday until 6pm. A Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for Connacht will be in operation from 3pm until 10pm, with heavy, thundery downpours likely. The forecaster said potential impacts may include surface water flooding, lightning damage, difficult driving conditions and added that some outdoor events may be impacted. There will be cooler and fresher air moving into the southwest by tomorrow evening, which will move across the rest of the country on Monday.

Advice for dealing with high temperatures: The HSE has said that people most at risk during hot weather include babies and young children, people over 65 and those with underlying health conditions, and people who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places. The advice for staying cool indoors is to turn off lights and appliances not in use, close windows that face the sun during the day, close curtains in rooms exposed to the sun, and use an electric fan if the temperature is below 35C. Outdoors, people should stay in the shade, avoid being outside between 11am and 3pm, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen regularly. People are also advised to drink plenty of fluids, with water or oral rehydration sachets being the best option.