Weather warning as temperatures to reach high 20s in Cork this week

Met Éireann has issued a nationwide weather advisory as prolonged spells of hot weather are set to see temperatures reach the high 20s in Cork over the coming days and into next week.

The advisory will come into effect from tonight, and comes as the national forecaster announced that temperatures recorded last month marked the fourth-warmest June on record since the turn of the last century.

Met Éireann said that six of its nationwide weather stations broke their all-time maximum temperature records last month, seeing a high of 32.2C in Athenry, with a further nine stations breaking their all-time minimum temperature records.

Other weather milestones achieved last month include the recording of only the third and fourth occurrence of a tropical night in Ireland, where overnight minimum temperatures exceeded 20C.

Met Éireann said that a prolonged spell of very warm or hot weather will occur this week, lasting into next week, with temperatures expected to exceed 25C, climbing from the high 20s to the low 30s.

This weekend, daytime temperatures are predicted to reach between 25C and 27C in Cork, with Saturday expected to be the hottest, with a nighttime low of 19C.

While temperatures are not expected to exceed 30C on Leeside, the UV Index is predicted to be very high, with members of the public urged to adhere to water safety guidelines as an increase in activity is expected across waterways, lakes, and beaches.

Possible impacts as a result of the exceptional weather include uncomfortable sleeping conditions, as warm and humid nights will occur, with a minimum of 15C or higher.

The forecaster has also warned of further possible tropical nights, with a chance of thunderstorms.

Met Éireann is urging people to practice sun-safe behaviour due to the possibility of heat stress and dehydration, especially for the elderly, and reminding pet owners of animal welfare issues.

There is also concern for possible drought conditions, wildfires, and forest fires, and a disruption to public transport.

For more information, visit: https://www.met.ie.