Ireland is experiencing its hottest weather of the year as a Status Yellow high temperature warning takes effect across the east and midlands, with temperatures climbing to 29 degrees by 5pm today.
Fourteen counties including Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Louth, and Tipperary are under the warning, which remains in place until 6am tomorrow morning. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 and 29 degrees from 1pm to 9pm in affected areas.
The mercury has already soared to impressive heights, with Tullamore, Co Offaly recording the day’s peak temperature of 30.2 degrees by midday. Other inland locations have reached 29 degrees, though coastal areas remain significantly cooler in the high teens. Even overnight temperatures will provide little relief, dropping only to 17 degrees at their lowest.
Met Éireann has warned of potential impacts including water safety concerns due to increased use of lakes and beaches, heat stress, forest fire risks, and uncomfortable sleeping conditions.
The scorching conditions have prompted Uisce Éireann to declare drought status in several counties yesterday, urging the public to conserve water as the heatwave intensifies.
The heat shows no signs of immediate relief, with another Status Yellow warning covering the entire country from noon tomorrow until 6am Sunday. Temperatures could reach 30 degrees in parts of the country, particularly inland areas away from coastal influences.
A third warning will affect Connacht and twelve counties on Sunday from noon to 6pm, though cloud build-up from the west promises eventual relief. Rain moving in from the Atlantic will bring “heavy and blustery” showers from Sunday night, finally offering respite from the exceptional heat with temperatures becoming milder as the weather pattern shifts.