High temperature warning issued for 12 counties

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

A high temperature warning has been issued for a dozen counties as some areas moved closer to officially being in a heatwave.

National forecaster Met Éireann said temperatures could exceed 27C during the day with overnight temperatures staying above 15C.

It said temperatures could be in the low 30s from Friday.

The agency warned of water safety issues, heat stress and uncomfortable sleeping conditions as a result.

The warning applies to Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath and Wexford.

It will apply between 1pm on Friday and 7am on Sunday.

It comes on top of a general warm weather advisory for the entire country which began on Wednesday and continues until Tuesday.

The UV Index is also expected to be high to very high, with Met Éireann advising of further possible “tropical nights” over the weekend and some thunderstorms.

The advisory comes with concerns over potential droughts and wildfires.

Met Éireann said some areas could officially be experiencing heatwave conditions – if their local weather station records a fifth consecutive summer day of 25C or more.

The UK Met Office said temperatures of 27C or 28C are possible in Northern Ireland on Friday, with values into the mid-20s over the weekend.