The Road Safety Authority (RSA) have warned that the thunderstorms that are being forecast to break up the heatwave in Ireland will cause "hazardous" conditions for drivers.
The second-highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland came on Monday afternoon, with a weather station in the Phoenix Park recording a monstrous 33.0C - just .3 of a degree off the hottest-ever day.
But things will take a twist on Tuesday (to the relief of many) as heavy rain showers are set to hit the country, breaking up the heatwave and cooling the whole island down for a while.
That will make plenty of people happy, but it does cause a few issues for motorists as conditions turn treacherous after a spell of warm weather.
As such, the RSA is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads as Met Eireann has advised of possible scattered outbreaks of isolated heavy rain showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon in the East and North of the country.
The RSA has the following advice for road users:
- It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, 4 seconds at a minimum (use the 2 second rule and repeat it twice).
- Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility
- Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, horse and riders and motorcyclists as they may need to avoid area on the road
- Be aware of the danger of aquaplaning especially on roads with speed limits of 100 km/h and 120 km/h
- Check tyres and consider replacing them if the thread depth is below 3mm.
- Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility to ensure you are seen.
With added risks posed by wet or flooded roads the RSA has the following advice;
- If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think
- After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes
READ NEXT:
Peculiar scene as €50 notes scattered along Irish quay as gardai issue warning to public
Urgent solar storm alert sparks Ireland blackout fears as huge flare heads towards Earth
Ex-Penneys worker explains the ‘one thing’ you should avoid when shopping in-store
Cheapest time to use your washing machine each day to save money on energy bills during summer
Met Eireann issues crushing heatwave update as experts spot freak jet stream vortex
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
