Ireland issues new high-temperature warning for nine counties

Ireland is bracing for another day of high temperatures as Met Éireann has issued a yellow high-temperature warning for nine counties on Friday. The alert, valid from noon to 8 p.m., predicts maximum temperatures exceeding 27 degrees Celsius, with potential consequences ranging from increased water safety issues to heat stress and drought.

The current warm spell has already prompted a six-week hosepipe ban in Dublin and parts of Tipperary and Wicklow to conserve water supplies. Wednesday saw a provisional high of 29 degrees Celsius at Shannon Airport, and Thursday is also expected to be very warm, with highs potentially reaching 29 or 30 degrees.

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So there is the potential for those temperatures to stay above average and for this hot spell, while it will take a dip at the weekend, to stick around through next week, with very little rainfall on the cards.

While Friday will remain dry and sunny, temperatures in the north and northwest are expected to be cooler, around 17 to 20 degrees, due to a shift to a northerly airflow. Temperatures generally are forecast to ease slightly over the weekend, with highs of 22 to 26 degrees expected in Munster and Leinster on Saturday, and 20 to 24 degrees on Sunday. However, Met Éireann meteorologist Ailís Hankinson suggests the high pressure bringing the heat may linger, indicating a potential for above-average temperatures to continue into the following week with minimal rainfall.

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So there is the potential for those temperatures to stay above average and for this hot spell, while it will take a dip at the weekend, to stick around through next week, with very little rainfall on the cards.