It’s a heatwave
(as if we didn’t already know)
A HEATWAVE was officially declared here yesterday after temperatures exceeded 25C for the fifth day in a row.
But forecasters warned we should make the most of the good weather as a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning was issued from today on.
A new August record was set on Friday with 31.7C at Oak Park in Carlow – and yesterday a sizzling 28.8C was recorded at Moore Park in Cork.
However, national forecaster Met Eireann is warning of cloud cover with possible thundery showers and hail breaking the hot spell in some areas.
The good weather is set to turn to heavy downpours by tomorrow as the country is set to cool down rapidly to temperatures in the high teens or low 20s.
Beachgoers were urged to be extra cautious as they flocked to the shore to make the most of the sunshine this weekend. Fingal County Council issued a warning as
crowds made their way to the coast to bask in the hot weather. Sun worshippers were also warned to take litter home with them after shocking images showed the Forty Foot in Dublin strewn with rubbish.
A council spokesman said: “The sun is giving us a final push to start the weekend, so it will be busy on the coast. “Please respect our beaches. Please do not leave litter on beaches – bring a bag to take your litter home or use the bins provided.
“Do not light barbecues as they are a danger to others, especially young children, and are prohibited under the beach bye-laws.
“Always be extra vigilant with children and do not use inflatables in the sea.”
Met Eireann’s Joanna Donnelly also advised beachgoers to exercise caution. She said: “Be careful in the
There were plenty of tears and hugs…made the applause very emotional BERNADETTE FERGUSON ON THE DRAMA AT DUBLIN BEACH
Ireland sizzles in record August highs
…but all set to fizzle out with rain on its way
Met warn extremes may be new normal
water because there’s strong currents. There was a super moon the other night, we’ve got really strong currents at the moment.
“I was swimming this morning, as I left the beach I saw a couple with two small children heading to the water with those big inflatables.
“Inflatables are really, really dangerous on our water, don’t take them out to sea.”
The warning came after it emerged that heroic coastguards reunited a mum with her missing little girl after she went missing at a popular swimming spot.
There was panic on Portmarnock Beach in North Co Dublin on Friday after the two became separated.
Lifeguards at the popular bathing spot called for the Irish Coast Guard and a search operation involving cars, boats and a helicopter was then launched.
Thankfully the child, who was found safe and well, was reunited with her mother. They shared a warm embrace in front of relieved bathers who clapped and cheered.
One witness took to Twitter to praise the heroics of the emergency responders.
Bernadette Ferguson said: “Well done lifeguards at Portmarnock beach today.
“It was all a bit anxious for a while and finally the child was reunited with her mother. Also, fair play to the mother who kept incredibly calm.
“There were plenty of tears and hugs when the child stepped out of the patrol car.
“Made the applause from everyone very emotional.”
Meteorologist Ms Donnelly warned that while unusually hot spells were not going to become the norm they would rise in frequency. Her comments came as Irish Water introduced overnight shutdowns at 37 plants.
She told RTE Radio One: “I don’t think it’s going to become the standard Irish summer.
“I think our climate systems will always be as they have been with low pressure systems.
“I mean, we don’t know exactly what will happen but low pressure systems will always bring rain to Ireland.
“What we might see is increased chances of warm spells going forward, more frequent spells like this, but that is not to say it’s going to become like this.
“We’re still going to see a lot of influence from the Atlantic, but yes, we can probably expect more extremes of heat going forward..
“The fact is it is global climate change – we are heading into a future where we will have to seriously watch our supply of water.”