Heatwave to continue with 28C forecast for this weekend
IF you think for a moment that our two-week heatwave is near its end, then guess again as temperatures for this weekend are set to hit 28C.
With mercury levels in the low twenties today, sun worshippers are advised not to cancel their BBQs or trips to the beach just yet.
According to Met Éireann, temperatures on Saturday and Sunday are expected to match the glorious sunshine the country revelled in last weekend.
“The weekend will be very sunny, with very hot temperatures in western areas reaching to 24–25C,” a Met Éireann spokesperson told the Irish Independent.
“However, the east will be even warmer, with conditions ranging from 26–28C.”
With the capital experiencing its driest June in nearly 80 years, it looks as if the scorching weather will continue into next week.
“We should see similar warm and dry conditions run into next week as the high pressure affecting us at the moment is expected to last for a bit longer,” the forecaster added.
According to Met Éireann’s June monthly data report, the rainfall for the Phoenix Park was measured at just 3.8mm – the lowest since 1941.
And in the Midlands, Shannon Airport saw its highest temperatures since 1946, with mercury levels peaking at 32C last week.
Today will be somewhat cloudier, compared to previous days with a few spots of drizzle and light rain affecting parts of the west and northwest in the morning.
It will be slightly cooler in the west and north with top temperatures of 17–22C, but warm again over much of Leinster and Munster with temperatures peaking at 26C.
Friday will be mainly dry, with maximum temperatures spanning into the low twenties and warmer conditions in the Midlands.
The day will bring a mix of cloud interspersed with warm sunny periods. Isolated light showers may develop in the afternoon, though the risk is considered to be low.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture’s ‘Condition Red – Extreme Fire Risk’ warning is still in force and will last until noon on Friday.
With no significant rainfall forecast over the next five days, a Status Yellow drought warning also remains in place.
The drought warning will remain in place for another week until Friday, July 13.