Ireland could experience “tropical nights” tonight and tomorrow, Met Éireann has said.
A Status Yellow high temperature warning is in place until 9am on Friday for Ireland.
Met Éireann said today will be a little cloudy, but there will be plenty of sunny spells, with largely dry weather as well.
The forecaster added that some cloud will push in across western counties later, with a few showers possible and they could be heavy across Connacht, with temperatures between 23C and 28C.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with David McCullagh, Met Éireann Meteorologist Matthew Martin said temperatures will be in the “high 20s” and could get to 32C in parts of the west.
“Parts of the midlands and south may experience a tropical night tonight and then more widely tomorrow night across parts of the east and south, so some very uncomfortable sleeping conditions likely,” he said.
However, he said the spell of hot weather will likely gradually break down and there is a risk of thunderstorms later tomorrow and on Friday.
Mr Martin said the country “will be back to more typical Irish summer weather for the weekend and into next week”.
Earlier, Met Éireann said potentially the all-time high temperture record could be broken tomorrow.
Mr Martin said the highest temperature recorded in Ireland was 33.3C in June 1887 at Kilkenny Castle.
He added that the record came close to being broken in 2022 with a temperature of 33C at Phoenix Park.
“And we certainly do have potential to go close to that record tomorrow,” Mr Martin said.
“It all really depends on if we see some cloud building up during the day, and that could put a cap on the peak of those temperatures,” he added.
Mr Martin said there is also an increased risk of water safety issues and advised people to enjoy the weather but to stay hydrated, protect themselves from the sun and take extra care when around the water.
The Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management yesterday also called on people to enjoy, but be careful, during the hot spell.
Keith Leonard said the hot weather will have different impacts on different people, and high temperatures can be a real strain for elderly people in particular.
He urged people to check on their elderly neighbours to make sure they have plenty of cold drinks and their houses are cool.
Mr Leonard also urged caution when swimming, saying if there is no lifeguard, “don’t get in” the water.
He added that people should swim where they can be seen and that lakes, reservoirs and disused quarries can be much colder than the sea and often hide hazards that can trap swimmers.
Older people urged to stay hydrated
CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland, Tadhg Daly, said it was important for staff and residents to stay vigilant and ensure older people stay hydrated.
“Hydration is key here really, and residents in nursing homes need to stay hydrated, drinking fresh water regularly throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty,” he said, speaking on RTÉ’s News at One.
He said keeping rooms cool was also vital – “keeping curtains or blinds closed during the day and only opening windows maybe at evening or night-time and avoiding going out into the heat of the day.”
If residents wish to go outside, he said it should be for a short period and in the shade.
Mr Daly said it was important to keep older people’s body temperatures cool by using a damp cloth or towel on their skin to reduce body temperature.
In nursing homes, he said, nursing and care staff will be aware of the signs of dehydration, dizziness or nausea among residents and can act quickly.
“But we all need to be vigilant, both from a resident point of view and also from a staff point of view, right across the health service.”
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