Ireland faces heatwave with temperatures up to 30C; water restrictions imposed

Ireland is bracing for a significant heatwave, with national forecaster Met Éireann issuing status yellow high temperature warnings for 10 counties. Southern and western regions are expected to see temperatures soar to 30 degrees Celsius over the coming days, raising concerns about heat stress and the potential for forest fires.

The heat warning is in effect from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning for counties including Cork, Galway, Limerick, Kerry, Mayo, Clare, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Laois, and Offaly. A second warning will follow for Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, and Mayo from Monday afternoon to Wednesday morning, with temperatures likely exceeding 27 degrees and potentially reaching 30 degrees.

Overnight temperatures are predicted to remain above 15 degrees and humid in these areas, potentially causing discomfort for sleeping. While the east coast will be slightly milder with temperatures up to 25 degrees in Dublin, the overall trend is for hot weather with long spells of sunshine.

In response to the soaring temperatures and exceptionally high demand for treated drinking water, Uisce Éireann, the national water utility, has urged the public to conserve water. A new record for daily water use in the greater Dublin area was set, with 693 million liters consumed in a single day, largely driven by garden watering and power washing. Night-time water usage restrictions have already been imposed on 25 water supplies, primarily in Kilkenny, Tipperary, Donegal, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Meath.

Met Éireann forecasts widespread sunshine for Monday and Tuesday, with daytime temperatures in the mid to high 20s and warm nights. Wednesday may bring some heavy showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the south and west, although it will remain very warm or hot.