Issued 7/7/26

Ireland will see temperatures climbing through the week with expected values in the high 20s and possibly reaching 30 degrees in some places this weekend. It will also be warm and humid at night with temperatures likely to remain above 15 degrees.

Meteorological Situation

Figure 1 – 06Z Synoptic Analysis

A ridge of high pressure is currently situated over Ireland, extending from an anticyclone over the Azores, which is bringing dry, settled and sunny conditions to much of the country. However, conditions will stay cloudier in the north and west at first due to a slow-moving frontal zone lingering over the northwest. From Friday, high pressure is expected to shift to the north of Ireland, with support from the upper air pattern. This will allow temperatures to increase, and the sunshine to become more widespread.

Figure 2 – ECMWF forecast mean sea level pressure and wet bulb potential temperatures at 850hPa for Saturday 11^th July at 1pm.

At first the airflow is southwesterly, and with the cloudier conditions in the northwest, the warmest temperatures are expected in the southeast. As high pressure shifts to the north on Friday, the airflow will become northeasterly which will see the warmest temperatures then in the south and southwest.

                            Figure 3: Daily Maximum Temperatures, July 7^th-16^th

Impacts

• The very warm or hot weather may produce some uncomfortable conditions, particularly at night.
• With widespread sunshine, UV levels will be high or very high, so please follow the guidance from the HSE’s SunSmart campaign,
• Heat stress may pose an issue. Useful guidance from the HSE can be found here: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/
• There will be an increase in people heading to beaches, lakes and waterways to cool down in the heat, so please take precautions from Water Safety Ireland to stay safe, watersafety.ie.
• The very warm and dry weather also brings the potential for wildfires and forest fires, with an increase in outdoor activities likely. Useful guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/fire-management/

Public Safety Advice

Public Health is a significant consideration during high-temperature events, and the public is advised to:

• Stay in the shade.
• Avoid going out or partaking in strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Apply UVA and UVB sunscreen to skin that is not covered, factor 30+ for adults and 50+ for children.

The Health Services Executive (HSE) have specific and comprehensive advice on staying safe in hot weather, and this can be accessed at the following address: https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/procedures-guidelines/staying-safe-in-hot-weather/

Water Safety

If you’re planning an activity in or on the water, remember:

• Swim at a lifeguarded waterway if possible.
• Swim within your depth, stay within your depth.
• Avoid entering the water in locks, marinas and harbours where hidden hazards may be present.
• Supervise children: Never leave them unattended near water.
• Avoid alcohol before swimming, operating watercraft or being near water, as it impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
• Be aware that cold water temperatures can also cause cold water shock, increasing the risk of drowning.
• Pay attention to all water safety signs and warnings and carry a means of calling for help.
• Check tides and updated weather warnings.
• Always wear a correctly fitting serviced lifejacket or buoyancy aid when boating or participating in water sports.
• Let others know where you are going and when you expect to return.

For more water safety information, contact www.watersafety.ie.

Fire Safety

The High Temperatures will likely bring an increase in outdoor activities, and the public is reminded that everybody has a part to play in protecting our unique rural landscapes, communities, habitats and forest resources from the threats posed by wildfire. If you are out and about enjoying our countryside and forests this summer, please help to reduce the risks of fire by keeping the following in mind:

• Do not light fires in or near woodland. Use only designated barbecue points where available. Thoroughly soak BBQ embers after use and make sure that they are extinguished completely.
• Do not block forest entrances or roads when parking – access may be required by the fire service or forestry personnel in the event of an emergency.
• If you see a fire, report it immediately to the emergency services – Dial 999 or 112.
• Report any illegal and suspicious activity to the Gardai. Note that the burning of growing vegetation on uncultivated land between 1 March and 31 August each year is prohibited by law.
• Do not approach fires or attempt to extinguish fires yourself. Wildfires can be extremely dangerous and can rapidly change direction and behaviour.

Further advice is available from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/fire-management/