Ireland has had its hottest day in 135 years,, with the Met Éireann measuring site at Phoenix Park topping out at 33°C at 3pm.
The only higher temperature ever recorded was 33.3°C in June 1887 at Kilkenny Castle. Although it has been questioned recently, Met Éireann has stated that this temperature is still Ireland’s record.
Thus, the high of 33°C today is both the highest ever recorded in Dublin and the nation for the month of July.
“This is a new all-time national record for the month of July, and the highest air temperature recorded in Ireland the 20th and 21st centuries,” Met Éireann’s said.
The nationwide record for July was previously 32.3°C, which was set in Elphin in July 2006.
According to Met Éireann’s forecast, today will probably be the hottest day of the summer as temperatures soar throughout the day.
A Status Yellow warning remains in place due to what forecasters have described as “exceptionally warm weather”.
Met Éireann’s Head of Forecasting Evelyn Cusack said Ireland is today seeing temperatures around 5 to 10 degrees above average.
“This is a very, very hot day. It’s going to be probably the hottest day of the summer,” Cusack said.
It’s set to remain as high as 20 degrees overnight also.
Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far, with a temperature of 29.3 degrees recorded in Phoenix Park in Dublin.
Asked today if this type of weather is “extreme”, Cusack said: “For Ireland, it is. Our average maximum temperature if you look around the country is around 21 degrees Celsius for the summer months, so we’re way ahead of that.”
The public has been warned about the dangers of the sun and against the use of inflatable toys in the sea.
The Met Eireann says Tuesday will continue to be very warm across the eastern half of the country, with temperatures peaking at 22-26 or 27 degrees, with elsewhere cooler and fresher albeit with peaks. is 16-22 degrees.