Near countrywide high temperature warning to come into effect today

Tom Kingston, Kinsale 'cools off' with the help of his cousins Sarah, Billy and Anna Ryan, from Tipperary. Met Éireann has issued a further high temperature warning which comes into effect today. Picture: Larry Cummins

Met Éireann has issued a high temperature warning covering most of the country, as temperatures are set to hit up to 30C in places today. 

The status yellow high temperature warning will come into effect at 12pm and has been issued for counties Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Donegal, Munster, and Connacht.

The forecaster has warned maximum temperatures will be in excess of 27C, combined with overnight minimum temperatures in excess of 15C.

Met Éireann said potential impacts may include water safety issues due to increased use of lakes, beaches and waterways, uncomfortable sleeping conditions, heat stress, forest fires and drought.

The high temperature warning will be in effect until 6am on Friday.

National overlook

Today will be mostly dry, sunny and very warm. A few isolated light showers may develop in the southwest, most likely during the late morning with the chance of an odd shower during the afternoon and evening too. 

Highest temperatures of 23C to 30C, coolest near the east coast as a result of light easterly breezes.

Thursday will be mostly dry, warm and sunny with temperatures in the mid to high twenties in most areas. 

However, a change to a northerly airflow this weekend means that northern areas will be cooler.

Meanwhile, temperatures will be between 23C to 28C on Friday across the country. 

Some cloud will affect the north and northwest, keeping highest temperatures around 17C to 20C, in a light to moderate northerly wind.

The weather will remain warm and sunny this weekend, with the sunshine turning hazy from the north through the day. 

Temperatures generally reaching 22C to 26C in Munster and Leinster. 

It won't be as warm in the Ulster and Connacht though, with highest temperatures of 17C to 21C due to a light to moderate northerly breeze and some cloud at times.