Ireland 50-yr record heatwave with 30C temps, ‘two weeks of sunshine’ & no rain as Met Eireann issue 32-county alert

THE current hot spell could go close to breaking Ireland’s all-time heatwave record that was set almost 50 years ago. 

With the mercury to hit a scorching 30C, Ireland’s heatwave is expected to continue “well into next week” and could last for over 14 days.

The long, hot summer of 1976 – which is the third warmest on record – holds the record for Ireland’s longest heatwave.

It was 14 days from August 14 until August 27 inclusive at both Birr Castle, Co Offaly – highest 28.2C – and Ballybrittas, Co Laois – highest 29.5C.

Earlier that summer, there was a heatwave lasting nine days in Kilkenny starting June 27, where temperatures rose to 31.5C on June 29.

And Ireland looks like it could come close to breaking the 14-day heatwave record.

Cathal Nolan from Ireland’s Weather Channel said: “We are in for a wonderful period of weather. There’s no other words to use to describe it. 

“It is essentially two weeks of sunshine, warm sunshine at that.

“Temperatures over the course of the next 10 to 14 days are expected to be well above average in the majority of locations across the country. 

“Typically daytime values are going to come in somewhere between the mid to high 20s but in some places we are going to push into the low 30s.” 

Cathal said the eastern and southern parts of the country are currently favoured for the higher temperatures as high pressure remains in control.

He continued: “There are some subtle differences however. What you’ll notice is as this high sets up to our north through next week, we’ll draw in south to south easterly winds, meaning that the highest temperatures which had been favoured across the east and the south of the country now shift across to the western side of the country.

“And with that we will see those temperatures continuing to be into the high 20s, perhaps even the low 30s in some scenarios.

“What we’re saying in summary is that we’re in for an excellent period of weather.

“We are going to see plenty of sunshine above average temperatures and for many of us no rainfall until at least after the following weekend.”

Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather said heatwaves lasting 10 days or more in Ireland are “very rare”, when based on criteria of five days over 25C being a heatwave.

Temperatures today have already hit 28C in some parts of the east, with lots of sunshine hitting the area throughout the day.

However, those in the west are seeing much cooler temperatures with plenty of cloud – but forecasters confirmed some sunny spells will move in this evening.

Tomorrow will be “very warm or hot” in the Midlands, South and East with temperatures reaching 24C to 28C. 

Met Eireann has issued a Weather Advisory alert for the entire country, warning of water safety issues, uncomfortable sleeping conditions, heat stress, dehydration, public transport disruption, drought concerns, animal welfare issues and potential wildfires as a result of the hot spell.

The alert, valid for every county despite the temperature divide, kicked into place at midnight and will remain until Tuesday.

A Met Eirerann spokesperson told The Irish Sun: “Temperatures are likely to reach the high 20s over the coming days, reaching 28C or 29C, with parts of south Leinster and east Munster likely to experience the highest temperatures. 

“It’ll continue cooler in parts of the north and northwest where cloudier conditions will persist with temperatures just reaching the high teens until Sunday when better sunshine is expected there. 

“Later in the weekend and into next week, it’ll turn hotter, so likely seeing temperatures reaching 30C, possibly in the low 30s.” 

Meanwhile, Aviva is urging homeowners and drivers to take simple steps to protect their homes, gardens and vehicles during warmer periods. 

The insurers warned of vehicle strain as higher temperatures can affect tyre pressure, engine temperature, coolant levels and battery performance. 

Motorists should check oil and coolant levels are topped and take breaks on longer journeys to allow the engine to cool. 

Watch for signs of overheating, such as warning lights, rising temperature gauges or steam from the bonnet. 

Households are warned that devices and batteries could overheat if left charging unattended. 

Senior Loss Adjuster at Aviva, Gillian Devereux, said: “Warm weather is always welcome, but it can bring risks that people don’t always think about. 

“From barbecues and garden fires to the impact of heat on vehicles, small issues can quickly escalate if precautions aren’t taken. 

“Taking a few practical steps can help people spot issues early or avoid them altogether.”