Met Eireann issues 18-hour 'heatwave' warning for 14 counties most at risk
Temperatures are expected to rise steadily, starting from highs of 27C today and potentially reaching a sizzling 30C over the weekend, accompanied by long spells of sunshine.
The national forecaster reports temperatures measured in the shade, and has warned that the real-feel in direct sunlight could be up to 15C higher - meaning a 30C day could feel like a scorching 45C.
Forecaster Deirdre Lowe explained that the heat is being driven by a high-pressure system centered near the Azores, bringing warm air from the mid-Atlantic rather than continental Europe.
She said: "As we head towards the weekend, longer spells of sunshine will develop with some very warm or hot weather on the way. That's as the Azores High builds up over Ireland on Thursday, and then as it moves away to the east, it will allow continental air to be advected up over Ireland in a southeasterly airflow for Friday and the weekend."
To prepare for this spike in temperatures, Met Eireann has issued a rare Status Yellow high temperature warning for 14 counties considered most at risk tomorrow - Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tipperary.
This warning takes effect from 12 noon on Friday and will last 18 hours until 6am Saturday. It states: "Maximum temperatures in excess of 27C combined with night-time minima in excess of 15C expected."
A second, nationwide warning will be in place from 12 noon Saturday until 6am Sunday, with similar temperatures expected.
The warnings also list the potential impacts from this hot spell:
Along with the hot days, Ireland is bracing for an rare stretch of 'tropical nights', where temperatures won't drop below 20C. This phenomenon - known as consecutive tropical nights - is unusual in Ireland and is likely particularly in Leinster and along the east coast.
Ireland experienced its first-ever two successive tropical nights only recently, in July 2021, and some parts of Leinster could see that pattern return this weekend.
Met Eireann has also issued a day-by-day forecast outlining what to expect. It said: "Mist and fog will gradually clear Thursday morning to leave a warm day with spells of sunshine. However, it will be cloudier in the west and northwest and there is the chance of some coastal fog, mainly near the east coast. Highest temperatures generally of 22C to 27C , a little cooler in coastal regions, in a light, mainly southerly, breeze.
"Any fog will slowly clear Friday morning to leave another sunny day for most. However, fog may linger in some coastal areas. Very warm or hot with highest temperatures generally of 23C to 28C , a little fresher near coasts, in a light southerly breeze.
"Very warm or hot on Saturday with plenty of sunshine, turning hazy over the western half of the country. Highest temperatures of 24C to 29C in a light to moderate southeast breeze. An uncomfortable night for sleeping with temperatures not falling below 14C to 17C or 18C in a light southeast breeze.
"A dry and bright start on Sunday with spells of sunshine for most. However, cloud will thicken from the southwest through the day with outbreaks of rain gradually developing in Munster, Connacht and west Ulster. A very warm or hot day for most with highest temperatures of 23C to 28C in light to moderate southeast winds. However, it will be slightly cooler under increasing cloud in the southwest.
"A fresher day on Monday with scattered outbreaks of rain at first. The rain will clear to the northeast in the afternoon with sunny spells and scattered showers following behind. Highest temperatures of 17C to 22C , warmest in the east, in moderate to fresh westerly winds.
"Current indications suggest that the early days of next week will be more unsettled with rain and showers at times. Temperatures will fall back slightly to the high teens or low twenties."
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