So damn hot…
Ireland has been hit with some extremely warm weather in recent days and it could be about to get hotter again before the end of the week.
Having issued its first ever Status Orange high temperature alert for Cavan, Monaghan, south Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford and Westmeath on Tuesday, Met Éireann is now suggesting, according to the Irish Times, that temperatures may hit record highs on Wednesday and Thursday.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland occurred in Kilkenny Castle on 29 June 1887, when the mercury reached 33.3 degrees.
Since then, the highest temperature ever recorded was 32.5 degrees in Co. Offaly on 29 June 1976.
Temperatures peaked on Tuesday at 29.5 degrees in Mount Dillon in Roscommon and are expected to exceed 30 degrees in the coming days.
Met Éireann has said that this current dry spell is likely to break over the weekend with some scattered showers.
The HSE has reiterated the importance of safety in the sun, and has advised the public to keep an eye on vulnerable people, warning that heatwaves can cause “significant increases in mortality”, particularly in older people, young children and vulnerable groups.
The current advice is to keep cool, stay hydrated, protect your skin and to know when to seek medical care.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan also urged people to exercise caution as they enjoy the warm weather.
He said people should “regularly and liberally apply sunscreen that has a sun protection factor of at least 30 plus for adults and 50 plus for children, wear light and loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin, wear a hat and sunglasses”.
“Keep yourself cool and hydrated,” he added.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
