A status yellow high-temperature alert is now in place across the country.
Temperatures are expected to reach 28 degrees today as the heatwave moves up a gear.
The weather alert runs until Tuesday night, with temperatures climbing into the early 30s over the next few days.
With the hottest weather expected in the midlands, nights will also remain very warm across the country.
⚠️UPDATE: Status Yellow - High Temperature warning for Leinster ⚠️
Exceptionally warm weather on Tuesday. Daytime temperatures of 25°C to 28°C ?️
Impacts:
• Heat stress
• High Solar UV index
• Risk of water related incidentshttps://t.co/yz9xhBqJowhttps://t.co/KLL68Nn8FQ pic.twitter.com/2qtKGG58SS— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) July 17, 2022
Vulnerable People
The Peter McVerry Trust says the next few days could be very dangerous for homeless people.
It comes as the Department of Housing's advised councils on how to help rough-sleepers at risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and severe sunburn.
Outreach workers are being asked to provide water, sunscreen, sun hats and shelter during the day due to the high temperatures.
?With the High Temperature - Yellow Weather warning in effect from Sunday 17th @ 6am please see update on our website https://t.co/LkqhOCs0Oc pic.twitter.com/b3UfkqS9TT
— Homeless Dublin (@HomelessDublin) July 15, 2022
Water Activities
Rescue crews are on high alert as people flock to beaches and lakes during the current hot spell.
With three swimming-related deaths in the past week, water safety chiefs are anxious for people to remember that open water can have hidden dangers.
RNLI spokesperson Eleanor Hooker has warned people taking to the water in the hot weather today NOT to use inflatables at beaches.
It has also been advised that:
- People visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
- If you get into difficulty in the water, remember to float.
- If you see anyone in distress in the water, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
If you're heading to the coast to cool off during this #heatwave, visit a lifeguarded beach, swim between the red and yellow flags and if you get in trouble in the water #FloatToLive. If you see anyone in distress in the water, call 999 and ask for the coastguard. pic.twitter.com/7ielQi2YRn
— RNLI (@RNLI) July 17, 2022