Temperatures to hit 30°C as hot weather to continue into next week

The prolonged spell of very warm or hot weather is set to continue this week, with temperatures potentially reaching 30°C in places.

Met Éireann has updated its weather advisory for the entire country, which will remain in place until 6am on Saturday 18 July.

Daytime temperatures are expected to widely exceed 25°C, reaching the high 20s and in some areas 30°C.

Warm and humid nights are also forecast, with temperatures generally remaining above 15°C, while the UV index is expected to be high to very high.

Met Éireann has said that Tuesday will be very warm and sunny, with highest temperatures ranging from 23°C to 29°C. Conditions will be warmest in the west, while an easterly breeze will keep areas near the east coast slightly cooler.

Temperatures are forecast to reach between 24°C and 30°C on Wednesday. While the morning will be mainly dry and sunny, a few showers may develop in the southwest, the forecaster warned.

During the afternoon and evening, scattered heavy showers are likely in parts of Munster and Connacht, with a chance of isolated thunderstorms.

Later this week

The weather is expected to remain mainly dry on Thursday, with a chance of isolated showers in the southwest. Highest temperatures of 24°C to 29°C are forecast, with a northeast breeze keeping northern coasts somewhat cooler.

Friday will also be dry, sunny and warm across most of the country, with temperatures again reaching 24°C to 29°C. Some cloud will affect the north and northwest, keeping maximum temperatures here at around 17°C to 20°C.

The warm and settled weather is forecast to continue over the weekend, generally reaching 22°C to 26°C. Northern and northwestern areas will remain slightly cooler due to a northerly breeze and occasional cloud.

Met Éireann has said the prolonged warm spell could result in heat stress and dehydration, animal welfare issues, drought concerns and an increased risk of wildfires and forest fires.