LAST UPDATE | 16 Jul 2022
THE WEEKEND HAS started off warm and dry and is expected to remain that way, save for a few showers in the north.
Highest temperatures today will reach 20 to 26 degrees Celsius, according to Met Éireann, as Ireland starts to see a somewhat milder version of the heatwave that has struck continental Europe.
The midlands in particular is expected to see the warmest weather today.
A Status Yellow high temperature warning is due to take effect on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, cautioning people about heat stress, high solar UV index, and risk of water-related incidents.
Fire warning
Meanwhile, Dublin Fire Brigade have reminded the public that a Condition Orange, high fire risk is in place nationwide until Wednesday.
It come as firefighters from Finglas are currently dealing with a fire in Tolka Valley Park.
The fire is occurring in an overgrowth in the north Dublin park.
During Condition Orange alerts, the public is asked to refrain from lighting outdoor fires and to ensure they take home rubbish when they visit public amenities.
People are also asked to dispose of cigarettes properly, and to not block any emergency service access when parking at amenity areas.
Firefighters from Finglas are dealing with overgrowth on fire in Tolka Valley Park.
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) July 16, 2022
A Condition Orange: High Fire Risk is in place nationwide until Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/pVnBJ74vDh
Weekend Outlook
Today will be warm and dry with hazy sunshine and occasional clouds, with a few isolated showers possible in the north and northwest later in the day.
Readings taken at weather stations at 9am show temperatures of 18 degrees at certain locations in Dublin, Cork, and Kerry, with other stations clocking in at 15, 16 and 17.
Overnight should remain mostly dry in warm and humid conditions, with temperatures generally staying above 13 to 17 degrees.
Tomorrow, Met Éireann’s forecast expects a very warm and dry day with widespread hazy sunshine and highest temperatures of 23 to 28 degrees.
That comes before an even hotter day on Monday when highest temperatures should be around 25 to 30 degrees with a chance of reaching 31 or 32 in the east and midlands, with a few isolated showers in the west.
Met Éireann has warned that climate change has increased the chance of temperature records being broken.
While it is not unexpected for July to be one of the warmest months of the year, the climate crisis, which is unsettling weather patterns, increases the likelihood of extreme weather events like heatwaves.
As well as influencing their occurrence in the first place, it can make those events longer, more frequent, and more intense.
Over the next few days, pet owners are being urged to keep their animals cool and hydrated during the heat.
Water safety organisations have asked people to take care around and in bodies of water, especially when swimming or engaging in sports like paddleboarding.
Dublin City Council has meanwhile said that it has plans in place to ensure that homeless people in the capital who may be at risk of extreme heat can be sheltered.
The local authority said its outreach teams will distribute water and sunscreen to rough sleepers, as well as offering them shelter and encouraging them to be aware of the sun.
“In response to the hot weather warning expected over the coming days, arrangements are in place with service providers to ensure that temporary shelter will continue to be available to all who wish to access it,” a statement read.
The council also encouraged members of the public who come across someone at risk of rough sleeping in high temperatures to notify them by downloading the Rough Sleeper alert app.
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