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21st Jun 2018

Irish public urged to be ‘sun smart’ as temperatures may reach record highs this weekend

Rory Cashin

A record temperature set over 130 years ago could be broken in the coming days.

Earlier this week we reported that Ireland is about to experience the “warmest weather so far this year” and “an extended settled spell” according to the latest forecast from Met Éireann.

In news that will bring a smile to the face to all who enjoyed the long overdue spell of pleasant weather that arrived in late May and early June, Met Éireann have forecast “very warm or even hot conditions developing into next week with sunshine prevailing”, with the country set to enjoy the “warmest weather so far this year”.

Not only that, but there is a chance that the all-time record high temperatures in Ireland – currently set at 33.3 degrees in Kilkenny WAY back in 1887 – could be approached by the fantastic weather incoming further into next week.

But with good weather, comes the obvious presence of damaging UV rays, and with that in mind, people in Ireland are being urged to be smart about their exposure to the sun during the upcoming good weather.

Liz Yeates, CEO, Marie Keating Foundation and skin cancer survivor, said:

“As a nation we love to get out when the sun shines, but it is important that we look after our skin and follow the SunSmart code. These are easy steps anyone can take to help protect their skin from sun damage and ensure we enjoy the sun safely.”

Additionally, Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Patrick Ormond said: “Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. Skin cancers are divided into two main types: melanoma and non-melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer has over 9,780 cases diagnosed every year and over 1,000 melanoma cancers are diagnosed annually. This is why using the SunSmart code and being vigilant in checking your skin is vital to preventing skin cancer.”

Their SunSmart code is as follows:

ONE. Always wear sunscreen

TWO. Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses

THREE. Choose a sunscreen that has good protection against UVA rays as well as a high SPF

FOUR. Never, ever use sunbeds

FIVE. Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm

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