Precautions issued as weekend sees temperatures soar in Cork

High temperature warnings have been issued by Met Éireann for the weekend, with forecasts of 30°C in some parts of the country today.

Friday was sunny and warm, with temperatures well above average and highs of 25°C to 29°C recorded across the island.

The country is under a status yellow high temperature warning for the days ahead.

A nationwide high temperature warning is in place from 12pm on Saturday until 6am on Sunday.

Met Éireann said that Saturday will be another very warm day.

As the country prepares for the very warm weather, the RNLI has urged families to put safety first.

It has asked those planning a trip to the coast or inland waterways to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe.

It urged people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flag, to check the weather forecast and tide times, and to read local hazard signage to understand local risks.

Do not swim alone 

The public are urged to keep a close eye on family, both on the beach and in the water, and to make sure people do not swim alone.

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI water safety lead, said: “We are expecting people to head to the coast during the hot weather, it is a great way to have fun, relax, and cool off in high temperatures.

“Choosing a lifeguarded beach will mean our lifeguards can ensure you enjoy a safe visit. Please head to a lifeguarded beach, swim between flags.”

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a Condition Red Forest Fire warning, in advance of hot weather forecast for the weekend. Condition Red is the highest level of Fire Danger warning and its use is rare in Ireland.

Mindful

The Department said: “Visitors to forests, parks, beaches and other recreations areas are asked not to bring barbecues and other sources of ignition to these areas and to be mindful of parking and access to these areas by emergency services.

“Under extreme fire risk conditions, any ignition source in dead grasses and low moisture shrub fuels like gorse and heather may give rise to rapid and unpredictable wildfire development and spread. Upland fires in these weather conditions can be expected to pose extreme difficulties to firefighting efforts.”