Met Éireann has said that the all-time high temperature record for Ireland could be broken today.
The highest air temperature recorded is 33.3C dating back to 26 June 1887 at Kilkenny Castle.
That record may come under threat today with temperatures of 33C forecast this afternoon in parts of Mayo and Roscommon.
A Status Yellow high temperature warning has been in place since earlier this week and will remain in effect until 9am tomorrow morning.
Met Éireann said Ireland will experience intense heat and humidity and people should brace themselves for another possible “tropical night” ahead
An air temperature map from Met Éireann showing temperatures of 33C forecast
The forecaster said the warning includes water safety issues due to increased use of lakes and beaches, uncomfortable sleeping conditions, heat stress and possible forest fires.
Meteorologist Mark Bowe said today will be “the hottest day of the week”.
“All that warm air will have fully arrived from Europe and temperatures are expected to be widespread over 25C – reaching around 30C or possibly 31C in parts of the midlands and Connacht.”
Mr Bowe said this also carried the risk of some thunderstorms, with the north west possibly experiencing heavy showers tomorrow afternoon.
He said temperatures would take a “bit of a slide” tomorrow, with a “few more showers moving in”.
The warm weather in Ireland comes as parts of Europe continue to experience record high temperatures.
Smashing previous records, the UK logged its highest temperature for June, reaching 36.1C in southern England, as a heat dome hovered over much of Western Europe.
France recorded its hottest day since records began nearly 80 years ago, when temperatures peaked at 44.3C in the southwestern town of Pissos on Monday.
Yesterday, Paris hit 40.9C, a June record for the capital.
Additional reporting PA