Heatwave could last '10 days or more' as Met Éireann issues advisory warning

A period of prolonged heat is expected this week as Met Éireann has issued an advisory warning to the whole of Ireland amid rising temperatures that could reach into the low 30s.

The national forecaster has said a prolonged spell of very warm or hot weather will occur this week lasting into next week with heat wave conditions expected.

Daytime temperatures will widely exceed 25 degrees with values climbing to the high 20s or even low 30s in places from Friday. The UV Index is expected to be high to very high.

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Warm and humid nights will occur with minimum of 15 degrees or higher. Possible tropical nights may occur in places this weekend. There is also the chance of some thunderstorms later this week.

Potential impacts include:

• Water safety issues due to increased use of waterways, lakes and beaches

• Uncomfortable sleeping conditions

• Heat stress and dehydration, especially for the vulnerable and elderly

• Potential disruption to public transport

• Animal welfare issues

• Potential drought concerns

• Potential wildfires and forest fires

Carlow Weatherman Alan O’Reilly has also said we could potentially see this dry hot spell last up to 10 days.

Today

Cloudy this morning with patchy drizzle and mist in the north and west. Spells of sunshine in the south and southeast will become more widespread through the morning and afternoon, though staying cloudy in west and northwest coastal counties.

A very warm day for most with highest temperatures of 22 to 28 degrees. Cooler where cloud persists though with highs of 17 to 20 degrees in light to moderate westerly winds.

Remaining dry for most tonight with clear spells and patches of mist and fog. Cloudier in the west and north with the isolated drizzle patches. Cloud will increase from the west later. Lowest temperatures of 11 to 15 degrees in a light variable breeze.

Wednesday

Tomorrow morning will be quite cloudy with a few mist and fog patches, along with isolated drizzle in the northwest. Sunshine in the southeast will become widespread through the morning and afternoon, though west and northwest coastal areas will remain cloudier.

Another very warm or hot day in the east and south with highest temperatures of 23 to 28 degrees, possibly higher locally. Not quite as warm in the north and west with highs of 18 to 22 degrees in light variable winds.

A dry night with clear spells, though mist and fog will develop overnight. Mild and humid with temperatures not falling below 12 to 16 degrees. Some mist and fog developing in a light southwest or variable breeze.

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Thursday

A sunny and very warm day in the south and east with any mist and fog clearing in the morning. Cloudier in the west and north with the chance of isolated patches of light rain and drizzle. Highest temperatures of 20 degrees in the northwest to 26 degrees in the southeast in light southwesterly or variable winds.

Most places will be dry and clear overnight. It will remain cloudy in the northwest with showers developing. Mist and fog will form in light winds. Very mild and humid with temperatures not falling below 13 to 16 degrees.

Friday

Very warm or hot on Friday, though cooler near northwest coasts. Cloudy in Connacht and west Ulster to start with a few heavy showers possible. Dry elsewhere with sunny spells, which will become widespread as the day progresses.

Highest temperatures from 21 degrees in the north to 28 degrees in the south, possibly higher locally. Light to moderate northeast winds.

Saturday

A generally sunny and very warm or hot day on Saturday with just a little patchy cloud. However, there is the chance of a few showers. Highest temperatures of 21 degrees in the north to 28 or 29 degrees in the south. Moderate northeast winds will make it feel cooler near coasts.

Further outlook

Remaining very warm on Sunday and into early next week with generally dry and sunny conditions. Nights will remain warm and humid. A few showers may occur.

Please check met.ie website and app for updates to forecasts and warnings, as well as www.watersafety.ie and www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine