The heat is on, so keep your cool..

THAT Ireland is to bask in sun-drenched glory for the rest of the week is great news for most.

And with the mercury due to pass the 30C mark, it’s time to get the factor 50 out.

Weather-wise, this year has been one of shocking extremes in a short space of time.

What felt like one of the longest winters in living memory has been replaced by potentially record-breaking highs.

However, medics have warned of the risk of sunstroke and urged everyone, especially the young and elderly, to keep hydrated.

And with the pull of the seaside and inland waterways a big attraction for those wanting to cool down, we should all be wary of the risks.

The tragic deaths of Jack Kenneally and Shay Moloney in a Clare quarry earlier this summer was a tragic reminder of this.

So Met Eireann have issued a status yellow high temperature warning until Friday.

But the heat doesn’t just affect us as we have to take care of our furry friends too.

Dogs die in hot cars and smaller pets like rabbits can pass away if they don’t have enough water.

And don’t forget mirrors and glasses at home can pose a fire risk too.

So let’s try to safely enjoy the heatwave in the week when we could be hotter than Hawaii.