Near record temperatures are expected this weekend with the short but very hot period of weather set to continue until Sunday.
A top temperature of 29 degrees was recorded in the Phoenix Park on Friday followed by Oak Park, Co Carlow (28.2 degrees) and Grange, Dunsany (28 degrees).
Saturday is shaping up to be the hottest day of the year so far. The Met Éireann Harmonie model is forecasting temperatures of 32 degrees in Dublin on Saturday, with a similar value expected in the south Leitrim/north Roscommon area.
Temperatures of 30 degrees are possible in many parts of the midlands with only the south of the country, especially Cork and Kerry, forecast to experience temperatures of less than 25 degrees.
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The all-time record temperature for Ireland, 33.3 degrees, was recorded at Kilkenny Castle on June 26th, 1887, though there is some doubt now over that reading.
The record temperature for this century, 33 degrees, was recorded at the Phoenix Park in Dublin on July 18th, 2022.
The Department of Agriculture has issued a condition red forest fire warning for the weekend. Condition red is the highest level of fire danger warning and its use here is rare.
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Visitors to forests, parks, beaches and other recreation areas are asked not to bring barbecues and other sources of ignition and to be mindful when parking so as to allow the emergency services access where necessary.
More than 4,300 hectares of land (10,400 acres), including more than 300 hectares (750 acres) of forest, has already been affected by fires so far this year. The department has issued seven fire danger notices to-date this year in response to high-risk weather phases.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has advised animal owners to ensure their animals are hydrated and protected from the heat.
Vulnerable animals such as very young, old, or sick animals may need to be moved to a location with additional shade or shelter where they can be monitored more closely.
Pets should have access to plentiful suppies of drinking water both inside and outside. Dogs should only be exercised in the morning and evening and dogs should never be left unattended in a car even if the car is parked in the shade or with windows open.
A number of Status Yellow high temperature warnings were in place on Friday and over the weekend.
A warning for 14 counties - Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tipperary - will remain in effect until 6am on Saturday.
A high temperature warning for the entire country will be in place from noon on Saturday until 6am on Sunday.
Saturday will be “another very warm day”, according to Met Éireann.
Temperatures will rise to between 26 and 29 or even 30 degrees with the warmest temperatures inland, away from the coast. A little cloud will push in across the west but it will be another largely dry day with light southerly breezes.
Temperatures will drop to 14 to 17 degrees on Saturday night.
Mild and very warm weather will continue through the weekend, but more unsettled and cooler weather will begin from next week.
It is expected to become rather cloudy on Sunday night as outbreaks of rain push in from the southwest. Lowest temperatures will range from 14 to 17 degrees.
Cloudy and unsettled weather is forecast for Monday, with a band of rain to move over the country in the morning. Sunny spells and scattered showers are due throughout the day.
Highest temperatures will range from 18 to 22 degrees though it may get warm again later in the week.
