Record-breaking temperatures in store for the week ahead

By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

Ireland could have record-breaking temperatures this week as the current spell of hot weather continues.

Met Éireann forecasts that some places could reach 28 degrees, with Munster and Leinster likely to be the warmest areas.

The previous hottest May day was on May 31st, 1997, when a temperature of 28.4 degrees was recorded at Ardfert Liscahane in Co Kerry.

Long spells of sunshine are expected throughout the country, the national meteorological service has said, with the highest temperatures between 23 and 28 degrees.

The warm weather is expected to continue, with temperatures of up to 28 degrees again forecast for Tuesday and 27 degrees on Wednesday.

Warm & dry with long spells of sunshine☀️

While mist and fog patches will generally clear early on, some sea fog is possible through the day, especially along western and northern coasts🌫️

Highs of 22 to 27°C generally🌡️, warmest in Leinster & Munster, in light variable breezes pic.twitter.com/kP5nr1xcGe

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) May 25, 2026

Thursday will be cloudier than recent days with some patchy outbreaks of rain and drizzle further west.

A bit cooler too, with the highest temperatures of 18 to 24 degrees, a little lower along southern and southwestern coasts. Moderate southeasterly winds will veer southwesterly throughout the day and freshen slightly.

Any rain will clear northwards early on Friday, leaving a dry day with some good sunshine, but with cloud building from the south through the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 17 to 21 degrees, with light to moderate west to southwest winds.

Meanwhile, the Irish Blue Cross is urging pet owners to keep their cats and dogs safely out of the sun.

The veterinary charity is particularly concerned about the number of dogs that are exercised in hot weather, and those left in hot cars.

Temperatures over 20 degrees can put dogs at higher risk of heatstroke, especially during exercise. However, dogs with underlying conditions, such as obesity, or those with flat faces, like Pugs and Bulldogs, are at risk even in temperatures cooler than this.

While exercise is important for dogs, the charity advises it is safer to miss a walk on very hot days or walk your dog very early or late in the day in shaded, cooler areas.

Dr Laura Mock, head of veterinary services at The Irish Blue Cross, said: “Heatstroke is a potentially life-threatening condition for dogs. It can develop very quickly and, if not treated promptly, can lead to seizures, organ failure, or even death.

"Sadly, we are still seeing dogs being walked at the hottest times of day, struggling to breathe, and dogs being left in cars while their owner shops.

"Being left in a car in the heat, even with the window ajar, can be incredibly distressing for dogs and ultimately fatal. Even if you are only going to be a few minutes, please consider dropping your dog off at home first and heading back out by yourself; it’s just not worth the risk to your dog."