Rain check
»»Showers on way but drought remains »»Swimmers warned of beach ‘pollution’
IRELAND is set for some welcome rainfall in the next few days – but it will be just a drop in the ocean when it comes to restoring water levels.
Met Eireann confirmed temperatures are still well above normal with a status yellow nationwide drought weather warning extended on Monday until midday on Friday.
And forecaster Pat Clarke warned the country needs “many more weeks” of rain to recover.
He said: “We may get some showers in the mid-term. Considering what we received it won’t make that much of a difference – we need an awful lot of rain.
“For farmers and people like that we’d like to see precipitation.”
Conditions will remain reasonably good throughout the week but not as warm as recent weeks.
Met Eireann said: “There will be some alleviation in drought conditions in places this week.
“However, there will be little initial reduction in soil moisture deficits.
“Wednesday will see outbreaks of rain affecting the northern half of the country, but brighter further south with sunny spells and a few scattered showers through the afternoon.
“Cooler in the north with top temperatures of 17C to 20C, but over Munster and south Leinster highs of 21C to 23C.
“There will be some showers for the rest of this week but good dry and warm periods as well, but not as dry or warm than in recent weeks.” Irish Water warned it might have to resort to overnight rationing unless there is a let-up to the drought.
The utility company is looking at several solutions, including an extension of the hosepipe ban past its current date of July 31. Meanwhile, Dublin bathers have been warned not to enter the sea in Howth.
Fingal County Council erected a temporary “do not swim” notice at Claremont Beach for 72 hours due to the “impact” from animals and birds and contamination from urban water.
Council workers were carrying out tests yesterday and lab results are expected tomorrow. If the results are clear, the beach can be re-opened.