Health fears have prompted Met Eireann to upgrade a high temperature warning as the searing heatwave could top the 145-year-old record of 33.3C.
A new Status Yellow alert was issued yesterday and comes into effect from 6am tomorrow – All Ireland hurling final day – until 9pm on Tuesday.
Scorching daytime temperatures of up to 30C are forecast for across the country today and tomorrow – with highs of 32C or 33C “possible” on Monday, according to Met Eireann.
READ MORE: Urgent solar storm alert sparks Ireland blackout fears as huge flare heads towards Earth
Extremely uncomfortable night-time temperatures could top 20C – meaning Ireland could have rare tropical nights in successive summers.
Doctors have warned that threats from a high solar UV index are greater as temperatures rise, meaning there is increased potential for sun damage to the skin and eyes.
They also have warned that the hot spell would pose significant health risks, including heat stress and heatstroke, especially for the vulnerable and those playing sport.
The GAA’s All Ireland senior hurling final between Kilkenny and Limerick gets underway at Croke Park tomorrow from 3.30pm with temperatures in Dublin forecast to reach 30C.
Limerick GAA chairman John Cregan told the Irish Mirror that official water breaks have not yet been arranged and claimed it is “common sense”.
He added: “We need arrangements in place so the players can have water breaks.
“Common sense must prevail, we have to be sensible. These are amateur players, playing in 30C heat for 70 minutes or more and they need to take on water.”
The Irish Mirror asked the GAA to comment on measures to protect players. It also contacted the association and the FAI about children’s summer camps that may be scheduled during the hottest days.
Water Safety Ireland has warned about the dangers of accidents during heatwaves as people try to cool down. There have been two drownings in the past week.
Irish Water is urging people to try to conserve water.
Head of asset operations Tom Cuddy said: “Taking shorter showers, only running a washing machine and dishwasher with full loads, and even turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, are just some of the simple steps we can all take.”
The semi-State body is monitoring shortage risks at Carron in Clare, Whitechurch, Coppeen, and Clonakilty in Cork, Inis Oirr in Galway and Coalbrook in Tipperary.
The Road Safety Authority has warned motorists to be aware of life-threatening dangers such as sun glare and being stuck in traffic without drinking water, especially for children and pets.
Employment group CIPD Ireland has issued advice to workplaces on managing conditions for staff. A spokesperson said: “Ireland has no upper temperature limit when it comes to working conditions, but the Health and Safety Authority recognises that ‘an acceptable temperature for office work lies within the range of 18 to 23 degrees [Celsius]’.
“Starting and finishing earlier may be an option for some, while others might prefer to do some work in the cool of the evening.
“Warm weather can affect concentration levels, which can be a real concern if someone is operating heavy machinery – so this must be assessed on-site.”
Met Eireann’s head of climate services Keith Lambkin said heatwaves could be more “frequent and intense” – meaning records will be beaten.
He warned: “Due to climate change, we are expecting to see heatwaves become longer, more frequent and intense than in the past.
“This increase in heat, increases the odds of temperature records being broken.”
The highest air temperature ever recorded in Ireland was 33.3C at Kilkenny Castle on June 26, 1887.
The second highest was 32.5C at Boora, Co Offaly on June 29, 1976. Temperatures reached 32.3C at Elphin in Roscommon on July 19, 2006.
Last year’s hottest temperature record of 29.3C at Athenry in Co Galway on July 17.
Met Eireann’s meteorologist Paul Downes revealed that the baking heat is caused by the Azores High staying over Ireland for the weekend.
He said: “The cyclonic or anti-clockwise flow of the low working in conjunction with the anticyclonic flow from the high will generate a strong surge of warm air between both systems thus pushing the warm air towards Ireland.”
Met Eireann’s forecast is for temperatures today of 26C that will climb up to 30C tomorrow.
A spokesperson added: “Monday will see hot conditions across most areas with temperatures widely of 26 to 29 degrees.
“It will possibly reach 30 to 32 degrees in some parts.
“It will be dry and mostly sunny, while Monday night will feel very warm overnight with temperatures staying above 16C to 19C, not falling below 20C in some parts.
“Tuesday will be very warm or hot again with temperatures reaching the high 30 again, possibly low 30s locally.
“Wednesday could see heavy or thundery showers, with the hot spell coming to an end as temperatures fall back to normal.”
READ NEXT:
- Australian tip for keeping your Irish house cool for free amid sweltering heat
- GAA fans all saying the same thing after tickets for All-Ireland hurling final put on general sale
- Two of blind mystic Baba Vanga's predictions for 2022 have already come true
- Woman fumes at house built so close to hers she can knock on neighbours door by opening her bathroom window
- Irish cinema worker sacked after playing wrong Matrix film to 'angry' movie-goers
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter .
