Ireland braced for extreme heat as Met Éireann updates weather warning
A packed beach at Garryvoe, Cork. Picture Dan Linehan
People across Ireland are bracing for a weekend of high heat, with temperatures possibly reaching the low 30s in the coming days.
Met Éireann have now updated the status yellow high-temperature warning for all of Ireland, extending it until 6pm on Monday.
The forecaster is warning that we can expect "maximum temperatures generally of 27C to 30C and locally higher."
On Thursday, temperatures hit 30.4C at Oak Park in Co Carlow.
The forecaster said it will be “very warm or hot on Friday, Saturday and Sunday”, while overnight, minimum temperatures will be around 15C, though could be potentially cooler in coastal areas.
The high temperatures have led to the potential for record-breaking temperatures for the month of August.
Currently, the record temperature for August is 31.5C, recorded in 1995 in Carlow.
There will be no let-up in terms of the heat on Saturday as it could exceed 30C in a number of inland spots. There is a slight chance of an isolated shower developing as well.
Thundery downpours are expected to bring the temperature down on Sunday, after a dry and sunny start to the day. Sunday night will offer little relief from the heat as it will be very warm and muggy.
Monday should see a slow return to regular temperatures for this time of year, along with heavy scattered showers and possible thunder, however a weather warning is still in place until 6 pm.
Night-time water restrictions were in place overnight to allow reservoirs to replenish themselves.
Interventions are already underway at over 13 water supplies, and many more are on a watchlist due to worries that they may run dry.
Oliver Harney of Irish Water has urged the public to do what they can to conserve water.
“Small changes can make a big difference,” he said.
These included taking a shower rather than a bath and spending less time in the shower.
A status orange forest fire risk is in place until next Tuesday. It has been issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine due to the current weather conditions and expected level of risk over the coming days.
On Thursday afternoon, there were reports of a large fire in the Mossgrove area of Cork near Béal na Bláth.
Huge plumes of smoke were seen rising from the area as emergency services attempted to get the blaze under control.
Advice to prevent wildfires is to not use barbeques in woodland, and if you see a fire report it to the emergency services.
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
