Met Éireann has issued a hot weather warning as temperatures of up to 30 degrees are forecast across the country for this week.
The status yellow warning will be in place from 12pm on Tuesday until Friday morning.
The forecaster said daytime temperatures will be in excess of 27 degrees during the week before climbing towards 30 degrees on Thursday. Minimum night-time temperatures of 15 degrees are expected.
Gerry Murphy, Met Éireann forecaster and meteorologist, said Europe is currently experiencing a heat dome, which he described as an area of high pressure that compresses the air “down on to the Earth”, causing it to become “stagnant”. As a result the “air is not moving anywhere so the temperature just keeps increasing”.
“There is a large area of high pressure over much of Europe at present, which is bringing extremely hot conditions to much of the continent.”
Despite the weather being mainly dry, he said there is a chance of drizzle on the west coast, especially on Wednesday, and Thursday, the hottest day, may feature thunderstorms.
He said by Friday temperatures will return to the low to mid 20s, as a low pressure moves closer to Ireland, and will drop further by the weekend.
“We are under the influence of it [the heat dome], but not at the centre of it … so our temperatures are not quite as high,” he said.
This will “probably not” be a heatwave, as the definition for one is any particular location having a temperature in excess of 25 degrees for five days.
“For most places, if not all, the temperatures will only maintain that level for four days.”
“Having said that, there are a few places where the temperatures may well still be above 25 [degrees] on Friday … but it will be localised.”
Murphy said there is a possibility that Thursday’s temperature may get “close” to the 30.6 degrees recorded at Shannon Airport on May 26th, which was the highest daily maximum temperature ever recorded for spring.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management is co-ordinating with key stakeholders to prepare for the high temperatures expected across Ireland over the coming days and nights.
Its director Keith Leonard said: “While the warm weather will be welcomed by many, it also brings risks that may not always be obvious or anticipated. The public should plan ahead, keep up to date with Met Éireann forecasts and warnings, and take appropriate precautions in relation to heat, water safety, thunderstorms and the possibility of localised flooding.”
Dr Joanne Walsh, chief executive of Water Safety Ireland, advised bathers to swim where a lifeguard is present if possible, be aware of how cold the water will be as “warm air does not mean warm water”, swim within their depths and as part of a pair or group.
She also advised swimmers to wear bright coloured swimming suits to ensure they are visible from land.
Adults must maintain constant, uninterrupted supervision of children and avoid alcohol, particularly if swimming, operating a watercraft or near water.
Walsh also expressed the importance of checking the weather and tides before swimming, wearing a life jacket if operating a water craft, and staying away from the edge as 65 per cent of all accidental drownings followed land-based activities such as walking, angling or cycling. More than two-fifths of all drownings occur during the summer
She recommended if someone finds themselves in difficulty and cannot swim to shore, to lie on their backs like a star and remain calm.
Walsh said her largest concern is surrounding teenagers, as they may partake in “risky behaviour” or consume alcohol.
“I would say to teenagers out there to please look after each other … don’t encourage your friend to engage in risky behaviour and if a friend is engaging with behaviour, try to be the mature one and say, ‘look, that is risky’.”
“Don’t overestimate your ability and underestimate your risk … anyone can drown, but no one should.”
Dublin Fire Brigade is advising the public to be extra vigilant and exercise caution as prolonged dry weather can significantly increase the risk of gorse and vegetation fires.
Members of the public are encouraged to act responsibly, avoid activities that could inadvertently start a fire, dispose of litter appropriately and report any signs of fire immediately.
Dublin City Council said it is “monitoring weather forecasts and warnings closely and will continue to assess the situation throughout the warning period”.
It advises the public to stay in the shade, avoid going out or partaking in strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of fluids and apply suncream. The NDFEM will monitor the weather conditions during this weather event.
A spokesman for Fingal County Council confirmed a number of lifeguards will be on duty across the region. Typically lifeguards would only be present on weekends until July in the area.
Lifeguards have been confirmed at the following beaches on different days: Balcarrick Beach, Portmarnock Beach, Balbriggan Beach, Sutton Beach, Claremont Beach and Burrow Beach, where teenager Abbie Carmody-Pepper died while swimming in May.
The latest forecast comes amid heatwaves in several parts of Europe, including France.
French authorities have put more than a third of the country under a red heat alert, cancelled some outdoor sports events and restricted alcohol consumption at a nationwide music event amid forecasted temperatures of more than 40 degrees.
The hot weather is also pushing the mercury into the high 30s and up to 40 degrees in parts of Spain, Germany and Italy.