Temperatures could hit 31C as thunderstorms threaten parts of Ireland

Hot conditions are set to continue today, with severe thunderstorms possible in some areas later this afternoon

Cork’s Marina Walk looking bright and busy in the current heatwave. Picture: Noel Sweeney

Temperatures could soar to 31C today as Ireland’s record-breaking May heatwave continues, although thunderstorms are expected to develop later in the day.

Met Éireann said conditions will remain very warm or hot across the country, with the highest temperatures forecast for the midwest and west. However, scattered thunderstorms are expected to move northwards from Munster counties during the afternoon.

While many areas are likely to stay dry, forecasters warned that thunderstorms could become severe where they occur, bringing lightning and hail.

A status yellow high-temperature warning remains in place for eight counties: Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, Galway, Kilkenny, Laois, and Offaly.

Met Éireann said Munster will see temperatures ranging from 25C to 31C today, although southern coastal areas may remain slightly cooler due to moderate easterly winds.

Nationally, temperatures are expected to range between 22C and 31C.

Clear spells and the possibility of further thunderstorms are forecast overnight, with mist, drizzle and fog expected to develop across the southwest by morning. Overnight temperatures are expected to remain mild at between 11C and 16C.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Met Éireann meteorologist Gerry Murphy said the hot spell is nearing its end.

“After today it will be back to a typical mix of Irish weather and not as warm,” he said.

Mr Murphy said temperatures are likely to fall back to the high teens or low 20s by the bank holiday weekend, which he described as more “typical of May weather”.

Smashing records 

The provisional May temperature record was broken on Tuesday, with Shannon Airport recording 30.5C.

Temperatures had earlier hit 29.7C in Oak Park, outside Carlow town, at 2pm, while the highest temperature in Cork reached 28.4C in Moorepark.

The previous record for May was set on Monday, when 28.6C was recorded at Shannon Airport.

The previous May record stood at 28.4C and was set in Co Kerry in 1997, while the highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland was 33.3C at Kilkenny Castle in 1887.

Paramedics from the Ambulance Service enjoying some sunshine before work, John Walshe and Sarah O’Neill. Picture: Noel Sweeney.

Met Éireann has warned of maximum temperatures in excess of 27C in these counties, with possible water safety issues due to increased use of lakes and beaches, possible forest fires, heat stress, and uncomfortable sleeping conditions.

The weather warning began at 12pm yesterday and will remain in place until 6pm this evening.

The hot conditions will persist today, with highs of 22C-30C, peaking in the West and Mid-West.

Making the most of the sunshine 

In Cork, people were out in force soaking up the sunshine, with the heat lifting spirits across the city.

At The Marina in Blackrock, Liz McCarthy said the weather had “transformed the entire community”, putting everyone in a good mood, as she walked with Ann Bassett.

“It feels like a snapshot of a proper summer,” Liz said.

Ann added: “It’s great. All the kids are out playing, they get to see each other more, and we get to see our neighbours. It’s lovely.” 

But something which has been “damaging the peace and privacy we have in our gardens” has been drones delivering takeaway food, a project which is being piloted in the area, Liz said.

Liz McCarthy and Ann Bassett having a stroll and a coffee on marina Walk in Cork City. Picture: Noel Sweeney

Georgia Griffin and Tom Prendergast were also enjoying the sunshine in Marina Park after finishing their final-year exams — Georgia completing a four-year biomedical science degree at Trinity and Tom a degree in business.

The sunshine is “brilliant”, Tom said. “Everyone’s out, everyone’s in a good mood. It’s great to see the city like this.” 

Portia Lehane, from Carrigaline, and Robert Lukins, from Midleton, said they had no plans other than simply enjoying the sun in Marina Park.

“I feel like everyone’s been looking forward to it for the last two weeks. It’s nice to see it [the sun] actually came,” said Portia.

Tom Prendergast and Georgia Griffin. Picture: Noel Sweeney

Robert added: “You see so many more people outside. Especially in a park like this in summer, it’s way more enjoyable than every other day.” 

Paramedics Sarah O’Neill, from Tower, and John Walsh, from Kinsale, were sipping on coffees as they basked in the rays.

“I’m just relaxing and taking in as much sun as I can before night shift tonight... working on the ambulance,” Sarah said.

Paramedics with Siptu and Unite have been engaged in a work-to-rule amid a dispute over pay and conditions.

“It’s frustrating,” John said of the industrial dispute.

“We obviously care about our patients and our job so much. But this is ongoing for 15 years now.” 

Enjoying some shade near the Atlantic pond, Rob Lukins and Portia Lehane. Picture: Noel Sweeney

John said he plans to swim this evening to “jump in and cool off” in Sandycove or Oysterhaven, his favourite places for a dip near Kinsale.

Ava Joyce, from Douglas, was with her mum and sister, before her sister heads off to Thailand for a month.

“I love the sunshine,” Ava said. “I wish it was like this all the time.” 

Brazilians Katia Cristina Jeremia and Inaci Raema said the weather reminds them of life back home in Sao Paulo.

“Today is so beautiful, a sunny day — it’s like Brazil,” Katia said.