Irish motorists have been warned to look out for melting tar on the roads as the country is set to bake in 30C heat during the mini-heatwave over the coming days.
The warning was issued by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) on Thursday who said that the impact of high temperatures on roads can make tar slick and dangerous.
This means that motorists should exercise caution and to drive slower in the extreme heat as softer road surfaces can cause longer braking distances.
READ MORE: Met Eireann says seven counties could see dangerous heat in next four days
The RSA said: "Road surface temperatures will rise significantly in the hot weather and surface dressed roads (“tar and chips”) will be prone to softening of the bitumen.
"This will lead to bitumen slicks occurring on more minor roads. Road users are advised to slow down and exercise caution when braking in such situations."
Met Eireann confirmed that temperatures could rise to over 30 degrees in places as a hot spell arrives on Sunday and into early next week.
A forecaster said: “Latest charts continue to show temperatures of 30c an locally higher for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Peaking on Monday and one UKV weather model is going for even higher temperatures but it is just one model and you need to look at all models really.”
Met Eireann has forecast 22 counties to see “dangerous” heat ranging from 28 to 31 degrees on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Weather Alerts Ireland Facebook page says "the latest GFS model is forecasting 33 degrees on Monday, adding, "this would be one of if not the hottest days in Ireland ever recorded."
The highest temperature ever was 33.3C detected at Kilkenny Castle in June 1887. Last summer, temperatures soared during a July heatwave but peaked at 30.8C at Mount Dillon in Roscommon.
It's likely that temperature will be broken early next week with the hottest day of 2022 but it remains to be seen if the 1887 record will be surpassed.
READ NEXT :
- Ukrainians 'sleeping on bare floor' at Dublin Airport as Government scrambles
New details emerge as gardai discover last sighting of couple found dead in Tipp
Met Eireann pinpoints spell of 30C weather and 'tropical nights' for some
WHO advises against use of two common prescription medicines for mild Covid
Adam Collard's loved ones issue warning to Love Island fans amid endless 'hate'
