Temperatures could hit highs of 29 degrees today

James Cox

Temperatures could hit highs of 29 degrees in parts of the country today.

The top temperature nationally yesterday was in Mount Dillon in Roscommon at 27 degrees.

Leinster and Munster will be slightly cooler, but highs of 24 degrees are still forecast there.

Met Éireann said: "Humid with thunderstorms active in the west. Becoming a very warm and hot day with long spells of sunshine. A few showers may break out with further thunderstorms. Highest temperatures of 24 to 29 degrees for the majority of the country, slightly cooler in Munster and south Leinster with highest temperatures of 20 to 23 degrees."

Saturday is also due to be sunny, with highs of 25 degrees.

However, scattered showers are expected across the country.

The forecast for Saturday reads: "Saturday will be warm with good sunny spells across most the country with cloudier conditions in the west. Scattered showers will occur across the country, some heavy and possibly thundery at times. Highest temperatures of 19 to 25 degrees, warmest across the eastern half of the country, all in a light to moderate southwest wind."

People are being urged to stay safe while swimming today and over the weekend.

The public are being advised to stay between the red and yellow flags on beaches and be aware of what to do if they get into difficulty.

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI regional water safety lead, is urging people to swim where there is a life guard on duty.

She told Newstalk: "Try to go to a lifeguarded beach if there is one near you. They are there to protect you, but if you do find yourself in a situation where you're in difficulty, do float to live.

"That will help you; head back, ears submerged, relax and try to breath normally, try to stay afloat, that will keep you safe until someone can go and get help for you."