Record-breaking temperatures forecast for Friday

Thu, 07 Sep, 2023 - 17:32

Imasha Costa

The record for the hottest day in September could potentially be broken on Friday as temperatures soar across the country.

Ireland is currently under a yellow warning for high temperature as Met Éireann said temperatures could exceed 27C in some areas.

The yellow weather warning came into effect on Thursday at 8am and will remain in place until Saturday, 8am. Potential impacts include uncomfortable sleeping conditions, risk of water-related incidents, and heat stress.

Ronan O'Leary, Millstreet, Daniel O'Sullivan, Mallow, and Darragh Cashman, Millstreet, at Garrettstown beach, Co Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

Met Éireann forecaster Siobhán Ryan said it was "certainly possible" temperatures could exceed the all-time record of 29.1C for the month of September. It was set in Clongowes, Kildare, in 1906.

“Things are indicating that it could be a hotter day on Friday and we could see record-breaking temperatures,” Ms Ryan told the Irish Examiner.

“It is one of those days where we will be watching the mercury. To get these temperatures is quite unprecedented, it’s not like it has never happened before, but it’s most unusual to get these temperatures.”

Stacey Kavanagh, Ballinhassig, with her dog Louis at the Dock Beach in Kinsale, Co Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

Friday should stay very warm, with highs of 24C-28C, possibly higher in a few places. Mist and fog conditions are expected to clear in the morning and should stay mainly dry with sunny spells.

Met Éireann said isolated thunderstorms may develop inland during the afternoon, with Friday night staying warm and humid, but mainly dry with lows of 15C to 17C.

Ms Ryan said daytime temperatures could range between 24-29C, even along the coast, as very little breeze is expected.

Friday's temperatures could also potentially break records of 28.4C set in Valentia and Gurteen in 1991 and 1961 respectively, according to Ms Ryan.

Cooling down in the sea on Warren Beach, Rosscarbery, were Anastasia and Tatyana from Ukraine, living in Clonakilty. Picture: Andy Gibson

Regarding the weekend, Met Éireann said Saturday should bring bright or sunny spells with some scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Highs of 21C to 25C are expected.

"It is not impossible that temperatures can stay high up during the weekend. It is really next week that they will start to fall back low," Ms Ryan added.

However, she does not believe the all-time record of 33.3C set in 1887 in Kilkenny will be broken this year.

“The reason why is because the sun is much lower in the sky, and you would not get many sunlight hours," Ms Ryan said.

Tiarnan Kershaw from Ballydehob at Warren Beach, Rosscarbery. Picture: Andy Gibson

“Even though all things are equal, everything was the same for June and July, which is when we get the highest temperatures, just given the fact that the sun is a little lower in the sky, and we have less daylight, the nights are longer.

"I can’t see the all time record being broken during this current spell."