Hot weather warning issued as temperatures forecast over 30C

Ireland is bracing for a significant heatwave, with a status yellow high temperature warning set to take effect from Tuesday noon and last until Friday morning. Temperatures are forecast to climb as high as 30 degrees Celsius across the country, prompting Met Éireann to issue the alert.

The forecaster warned of potential consequences, including increased water-safety issues due to greater use of lakes and beaches, difficulties with sleeping due to the heat, and general heat stress. Daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 27 degrees Celsius during the week, peaking around 30 degrees on Thursday, with minimum night-time temperatures around 15 degrees.

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These weather conditions can be a real strain for older people, so just check their houses are cool and that they have plenty of cold drinks and that they appear comfortable and check the HSE website for advice.

Gerry Murphy, a Met Éireann forecaster, explained that Europe is currently experiencing a "heat dome," a phenomenon where high pressure compresses air, leading to stagnant conditions and rising temperatures. Keith Leonard of the National Directorate Fire and Emergency Management emphasized the need for public vigilance, particularly for the elderly and those living alone.

Leonard urged people to check on older relatives and neighbors, ensuring their homes are cool and they have adequate hydration. He also highlighted the dangers of drowning, advising the public to swim only in areas with lifeguards and to avoid unsupervised bodies of water like lakes, reservoirs, and quarries, which can present hidden hazards. The risk of wildfire is also elevated, and people are cautioned against lighting barbecues in wildland areas.

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If there’s no lifeguard, don’t get in. Swim where you can be seen. Lakes, reservoirs and disused quarries are much colder than the sea, and they often hide a lot of hazards and can trap swimmers, or where swimmers can get out of their depth very quickly.