Latest news with #Mediterranean-like


Irish Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
Met Eireann forecasts 'mobile Atlantic regime' to dominate into weekend
While in meteorological terms, the summer is just days away, it won't quite feel that way as unsettled conditions are set to persist into next week. There has been a noticeable shift in conditions since the Mediterranean-like weather that Ireland enjoyed in the middle of May, when we basked in glorious sunshine and temperatures regularly hit higher than 20C. And that trend of unsettled weather is forecast to continue as Met Eireann expects a "mobile Atlantic regime" to dominate into the Bank Holiday weekend. The national forecaster expects rain and showers to interrupt sunny spells throughout the week. Below is the forecast for the rest of the week: Today will see a good deal of cloud but there will be some bright or sunny breaks as well, along with scattered showers. This afternoon will see cloud thicken from the southwest and outbreaks of rain will extend northeastwards over the country into the evenings. Temperatures will range between 14C and 18C with light to moderate westerly winds. It will be a mild night but rather windy as more rain and drizzle affects most areas, with the west and north experiencing the heaviest downpours. Tomorrow will be a windy, damp and cloudy day as patchy outbreaks of rain and drizzle dominate, with the downpours becoming heavy early in the day for the north and northwest. The north and east, however, will enjoy some brief bright and sunny spells in the afternoon as temperatures range between 15C and 20C. Thursday night will see the south and southeast contending with heavy rain and drizzle at times. There is a bit of respite on Friday, which will be a largely dry day for many areas with variable cloud and sunshine. Any lingering rain will clear in the morning, with the rest of the day just seeing well scattered showers. Temperatures will reach highs of 21C in moderate southwest to west winds. Saturday morning will be mainly dry and bright but a spell of rain will spread from the west through the morning and afternoon, potentially turning heavy in the morning and afternoon. The rain will clear in the afternoon and will be followed by sunshine and showers, with the northwest facing the heaviest and also the chance of thunder. Temperatures will range between 15C and 20C. The beginning of summer won't feel like it as Sunday will see a mixture of sunshine and showers, some potentially heavy and even possibly thundery. Temperatures will drop a little, ranging between 13C and 17C, and it will be a breezy day.


NDTV
26-05-2025
- NDTV
Cooler Shores Ahead: 5 Of The Best European Cruise Trips For A Chill Summer Escape
When southern Europe starts to sizzle, savvy travellers head north for a cooler kind of summer. Ditch the overcrowded beaches and soupy city heat — cruising Europe's northern coastlines is the ultimate seasonal reset. Picture cool sea breezes, glassy fjords, colourful little harbours, and sunsets that last for hours. From the craggy cliffs of Scotland to the chic calm of Sweden, these European cruise trips bring you fresh air, fewer crowds, and front-row seats to some of the continent's most stunning scenery. If you'd rather pack a jumper than SPF 50, these are the summer escapes made for you. Here Are 5 European Cruise Trips Perfect For Your Next Summer Escape: 1. Sailing The British Isles A cruise around the British Isles isn't just for history buffs or castle collectors-though you'll definitely see your fair share of both. These itineraries usually weave through England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, giving a proper taste of the UK's varied landscape and culture. One day you're wandering through the ancient streets of Edinburgh, the next you're sipping a Guinness in a seaside pub in Cork. Keep an eye out for stops in the Isles of Scilly or the Channel Islands, which often surprise travellers with their almost Mediterranean-like charm. For wildlife lovers, seabird colonies and the occasional seal sighting make the voyage even better. Cool factor: The average summer temperature across much of the UK hovers around 18-20 degrees Celsius, which is perfect jumper-and-jeans weather. Plus, there's something unbeatable about watching the coast slip by from a deck chair with a hot tea in hand. 2. Scotland By Sea Few places feel as dramatic from the water as Scotland's west coast. Cruises here often include the Inner and Outer Hebrides, offering access to remote islands like Skye, Mull and Iona. It's all wild landscapes, charming fishing villages, and mountains that seem to rise straight from the sea. Port calls might include Oban (the 'seafood capital of Scotland') or the whisky mecca of Islay, where distillery tours are often built right into the itinerary. The weather can be unpredictable-four seasons in one day is not uncommon-but that's part of the appeal. It's moody, cinematic, and unapologetically Scottish. Cool factor: Even in July and August, temperatures rarely pass 17 degrees Celsius. Bring layers and prepare to fall hard for foggy mornings and long twilight evenings. 4. The Understated Sweden And Denmark Sweden and Denmark may not shout about it, but they serve up some of the coolest cruise stops in Europe-both temperature-wise and culturally. Routes often begin or end in Copenhagen or Stockholm, cities that are stylish without trying too hard. Smaller ports like Visby (on Sweden's Gotland Island) and Aarhus in Denmark add a quieter charm, with cobbled streets and picture-perfect harbours. Baltic Sea cruises may also loop in Helsinki or Tallinn, but the Swedish and Danish legs are usually the chicest. Expect clean design, good coffee, and a whole lot of minimalism. Cool factor: Highs in Copenhagen and Stockholm usually stick around 20-22 degrees Celsius. Also: fewer crowds, better pastries. 3. Cruising Through The Norwegian Fjords This is what cruise dreams are made of. Norway's coast is arguably one of the most scenic in the world, with deep, glacier-carved fjords, colourful wooden villages, and waterfalls that crash straight into the sea. The Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are frequent highlights. Norwegian cruises often start in Bergen or Oslo and head north towards the Arctic Circle, with stops in places like Alesund, Tromso, and even the Lofoten Islands. The midnight sun in summer means nearly 24 hours of daylight-ideal for soaking up the view from the top deck at 2am. Cool factor: Average highs in July sit around 18 degrees Celsius. If you're lucky, you might even spot reindeer or orcas in the wild. 5. Chasing The Midnight Light In Iceland Iceland might be the ultimate cool-weather cruise destination-literally. Even in peak summer, highs often stay below 15 degrees Celsius. But what it lacks in heat, it more than makes up for in drama. Think black sand beaches, lava fields, geysers and puffin-covered cliffs. Cruises either circle the island or include it as a stop on longer routes from the UK or Scandinavia. Reykjavik is the obvious starting point, but don't miss smaller ports like Akureyri or Isafjorour for geothermal baths and epic hikes. Cool factor: The summer sun barely sets, the landscapes are next-level, and you're practically guaranteed a front-row seat to nature at its wildest.


Irish Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irish weather set for major change as wet week in store
The spell of glorious sunshine and 20C-plus temperatures is set to come to an end for now as this week will see the return of unsettled conditions for most of the country. For the most part, Ireland has been basking in Mediterranean-like conditions over the past fortnight but a major change is on the way, according to Met Eireann. The national forecaster has revealed that the final week of May is set to feature plenty of rain, wind and a drop in temperatures, and this could spill into the June Bank Holiday weekend. The general forecast for the next seven days suggests that Ireland will have to contend with largely unsettled conditions with rain and showers each day. Delivering the forecast for today, Monday 26 May, a Met Eireann spokesperson said: "Scattered showers and some sunny spells at first this morning but becoming cloudy and wet as outbreaks of rain move eastwards across the country through the day. The rain will turn heavy at times during the late afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 11 to 15 degrees in a moderate to fresh southwest to west wind, becoming strong at times towards Atlantic coasts. "Rain will clear from the east early tonight and will be followed by clear spells and scattered showers, mainly over the northern half of the country. Another spell of rain will move into the southwest later in the night. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 11 degrees with moderate to fresh westerly winds, becoming southerly and light overnight." Below is the forecast for the week ahead: Tuesday will begin with plenty of rain, which will extend across the country from the southwest. It will clear eastwards during the afternoon but it will remain generally cloudy with some showers. Temperatures will only reach highs of 14C in the northern half of the country in light, variable winds. The south will see temperatures range between 14C and 18C. Tuesday night will see scattered showers with a mixture of cloud and clear spells as temperatures drop to lows of 5C. Scattered showers on Wednesday will be broken up by some sunny spells on Wednesday morning but cloud will increase and rain is forecast to spread northeastwards into the afternoon and evening as temperatures will range between 13C and 16C. Thursday will be a breezy and blustery day, again with sunny spells and scattered showers, with temperatures ranging between 13C to 17C. Showers will become isolated on Thursday night, however, with winds easing and temperatures dropping to lows of 6C. Friday will see a dry start to the day with some hazy, sunny spells though rain will move in across southern areas as temperatures range between 14C to 16C in light to moderate southerly winds There remains some uncertainty in the forecast for the June Bank Holiday weekend but current indications suggest that the unsettled conditions will continue, bringing spells of rain and showers.


Time of India
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
4 science-backed tips to lower the risk of dementia
In 2021, 57 million people worldwide were living with dementia, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Each year, nearly 10 million new cases are reported. As global populations age, the number of people affected by this debilitating condition continues to grow. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now (Pic courtesy: iStock) Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death globally and a major contributor to disability and dependency among older adults. suggests up to 40% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes. While there is no cure, research shows that certain lifestyle choices can help lower your risk. Here are four science-backed strategies you can adopt today to lower the risk of dementia. Getting good sleep isn't just about the number of hours, it's about the 'type' of sleep. A new suggests that deep sleep and REM sleep are especially important for clearing brain toxins and supporting memory, both key for reducing Alzheimer's risk. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia. Poor quality sleep in midlife, especially a lack of deep and REM sleep, has been linked to shrinkage in brain areas most affected by Alzheimer's. To maintain the sleep quality, keep a sleep diary, track when you sleep, how rested you feel in the morning, and whether you're tired during the day. Sleep trackers or smartwatches can also help with analyzing the sleep stages. Exercise is a powerful medicine, and it doesn't have to be intense to be effective. Research suggests that light workouts such as stretching, balance, and range-of-motion exercises can be just as effective as high-intensity training in slowing memory loss. The followed older adults with mild cognitive impairment for 18 months. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They found that both low and high-intensity exercise groups sustained stable thinking skills over time, with no further decline. Consistent physical activity, even at low intensity, is linked to preserved brain function. RFK Jr. Openly Tells World To Exit 'Bloated' WHO As Global Health Officials Watch Silently It is important to keep your cholesterol levels in check. A suggests that keeping LDL cholesterol below 70 mg/dL is linked to a 26% lower risk of dementia and a 28% lower risk of Alzheimer's. This level of risk reduction is similar to the effects of regular physical activity and is one of the most effective known prevention strategies. LDL cholesterol is involved in inflammation and brain blood flow, both critical to nervous system health. A healthy diet can also help to lower the risk of dementia. Eating a traditional Mediterranean-type diet, rich in foods such as seafood, fruit, and nuts may help reduce the risk of dementia by almost a quarter. A 2023 found that individuals who ate a Mediterranean-like diet had up to 23% lower risk for dementia than those who did not. 'Eating a more Mediterranean-like diet could be one strategy to help individuals lower their risk of dementia. The protective effect of this diet against dementia was evident regardless of a person's genetic risk, and so this is likely to be a beneficial lifestyle choice for people looking to make healthy dietary choices and reduce their risk of dementia,' the researchers said. This diet reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, both implicated in dementia. Limiting processed foods, red meat, and sugars is key.


Irish Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
One area to bask in highs of 26C before major change in conditions
Ireland is set to be treated to another stunner of a day on Sunday, with one area in particular forecast to bask in 26C heat as the spell of Mediterranean-like weather continues. But it could all change in just a matter of days. The west of the country, particularly the Mayo/Galway region, will see temperatures soar to 26C on Sunday, May 18, while the east will have to put up with cooler conditions. There has been hardly any rain in the country over the past couple of weeks but that looks set to change because, while the temperatures will continue to remain high over the coming days, weather models are signalling the return of showers which could potentially turn heavy and even thundery as early as Monday. According to Met Eireann, there remains a "bit of uncertainty" in the forecast beyond next Thursday but the national forecaster concedes that "Atlantic westerlies do look set to return bringing changeable conditions and a gradual return to seasonal temperatures." With a largely lovely day expected on Sunday, Monday will see patchy cloud develop through the morning as showers break out into the afternoon and evening. The south and west will face the greatest risk of local heavy or thundery downpours though temperatures could still hit 22C. Tuesday and Wednesday will be similar as high temperatures persist but the risk of heavy or thundery downpours cannot be ignored, according to the national forecaster. Temperatures are expected to drop from Thursday as highs of above 20C are unlikely as a system of low pressure returns, meaning that our mini-heatwave looks like it is coming to an end for now.