Irish weather: Potential for record-breaking temperatures on Saturday

Most places will either touch or break through the 30C barrier to start the weekend, with a fresh yellow high temperature warning kicking in at midday. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Ireland's all-time record temperature record could be broken on Saturday.

Most places will either touch or break through the 30C barrier to start the weekend, with a fresh yellow high temperature warning kicking in at midday.

The warning says that there will be water safety issues due to increased use of lakes/beaches as well as a risk of forest fires and "uncomfortable sleeping conditions."

Temperatures on Friday reached 29C in parts.

Here are the maximum air temperatures recorded at our synoptic weather stations today🌡️ pic.twitter.com/GWL0xv5wMk

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) July 11, 2025

Ireland's record temperature is 33.3C, recorded in Kilkenny in 1887.

The national forecast for Saturday reads: "Today will be very warm or hot with temperatures reaching 26 to 30C. 

"Any patchy fog in the southwest will clear quickly and it will be dry and sunny with light to moderate southeasterly winds."

The forecaster has also reminded the public to be aware of the UV index and to protect their skin.

They are urging the public to remember the 'SunSmart 5S; rule:

• Slip on clothes that cover your skin, such as long sleeves and t-shirts with a collar.
• Slop on broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen,  factor 30 for children, factor 50 for adults.
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears and neck.
• Seek shade especially if outdoors between 11am and 3pm
• Slide on wraparound sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes.

Sunday is also set to be a scorcher, starting out with good sunny spells in the morning.

Cloud will build from the west with showery outbreaks of rain pushing in across western and southwestern parts during the afternoon and evening. 

Some heavy and possibly thundery downpours are possible, Met Éireann say, with a very warm or hot day with highest temperatures of 22 to 29C.

'Leave the barbecues at home'

To go alongside Met Éireann's warning, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a Condition Red Forest Fire warning.

They say they want to highlight the dangers to resources and public safety arising from vegetation fires, on and around forests and other public recreation sites, especially those close to urban areas.

 Visitors to forests, parks, beaches, and other recreational areas are asked not to bring barbecues and other sources of ignition to these areas and to be mindful of parking and access to these areas by emergency services.

Minister of State at the Department Michael Healy-Rae said: "Everyone has a duty to protect these areas and our rural livelihoods from the risk of fire. We want people to enjoy themselves responsibly, but to leave the barbecues and campfires at home this weekend."