THE SIZZLE WON’T FIZZLE JUST YET
Temperature set to hits 30C as country soaks up the sun
THE country’s first-ever weather alert for high temperatures has been issued for six counties, with the mercury set to top 30C in some areas this week.
The news comes as temperatures yesterday reached their highest in Mount Dillon, Roscommon, at 29.5 degrees.
The status Orange alert is in place for Cavan, Monaghan, south Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath until Friday, with temperatures in these areas exceeding 30 degrees in places and overnight temperatures dropping no lower than about 20 degrees.
Met Éireann’s head of forecasting, Evelyn Cusack, said that the extreme weather will lead to some areas seeing night-time temperatures of over 25C tonight, making it very uncomfortable for many.
Speaking on RTÉ’s News At One, Ms Cusack also warned that the high temperatures could spark thunderstorms in the north midlands and parts of the west, adding that ‘dry lightning’ in wooded areas could spark fires.
The nights this week will be warm and muggy while the days will be scorchingly hot.
She warned: ‘It could reach 30C or 31C almost anywhere.’
The current maximum temperature recorded for July is 32.3C, which was reached in Co. Roscommon on July 19, 2006. The highest temperature of the year was on Sunday, with 29.6C recorded in Durrow, Co. Laois.
The Road Safety Authority warned drivers to be aware of ‘sun glare’ which can result in drivers being temporarily dazzled, and urged them to wear sunglasses.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland also warned of high temperatures on roads surfaces which can melt bitumen and loosen chips on more minor roads.
They advised drivers to slow down and exercise caution as the heatwave continues.
A forest fire warning was issued by the Department of Agriculture, which urged people to ‘be prepared, vigilant’ and to ‘stamp out forest fires’.
Met Éireann has issued a Yellow temperature warning for the rest of the country, with high temperatures continuing this week.
Daytime maximum temperatures are to remain between 27C to 30C, with overnight values not falling below 17C to 20C, meaning nights will continue as ‘tropical’.
The status Yellow warning for high temperatures will remain until 9am on Friday.
Ms Cusack said Friday and Saturday would be the hottest days.
The weekend will offer more clouds and showers before next week’s gradual trend to temperatures more typical of July.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: ‘While people should enjoy the beautiful weather, it’s important to do so in as safe a way as possible. Regularly and liberally apply sunscreen that has at least 30 SPF for adults and 50 SPF for children, wear light and loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin and wear a hat and sunglasses.
Kevin O’Hagan, the Irish Cancer Society’s cancer prevention chief, urged people to be aware of the damage sunburn can cause.
As well as dangers to people, Government departments and agencies warned about the indirect effects of the heatwave.
Tom Cuddy, Irish Water’s head of asset operations, said there were no plans to implement a conservation order and most water supplies were stable.