The HSE has issued a warning about the use of electric fans during the heatwave
17:14, 08 Jul 2026Updated 17:20, 08 Jul 2026
Electric fan (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
Ireland is currently gripped by heatwave conditions, with temperatures set to climb above 30C over the coming days.
As the nation prepares for what may be the hottest day of the year to date, countless households will be turning to electric fans to stay cool. However, the HSE has issued a warning that fans shouldn’t be used once temperatures exceed a certain threshold.
While fans can help cool the body by circulating air across the skin, they don’t actually reduce the temperature of a room. In extreme heat, they can become less effective and may even heighten the risk of heat-related illness.
The HSE advises that electric fans should only be used when temperatures are below 35C, reports the Irish Mirror. As part of its guidance for managing the heat, the HSE also suggests switching off unnecessary lights and appliances, keeping curtains drawn during the day, opening windows at night when temperatures drop and using a damp cloth on the back of your neck to cool down.
The health service added that electric fans can be used to help keep cool – but only while temperatures remain below 35C. The warning arrives as Met Éireann has forecast exceptionally hot and humid conditions across Ireland for at least the next six days.
A nationwide weather advisory came into effect today and lasts until next Tuesday. The national forecaster warned: “A prolonged spell of very warm or hot weather will occur this week lasting into next week with heat wave conditions expected. Daytime maxima will widely exceed 25C with values climbing to the high 20s or even low 30s in places from Friday. The UV Index is expected to be high to very high.
“Warm and humid nights will occur with minima of 15C or higher. Possible tropical nights may occur in places this weekend. There is also the chance of some thunderstorms later this week.”
The national forecaster explained that the calm conditions are being driven by a high pressure ridge stretching from the Azores. Although cloudier spells will persist across parts of the north and west initially, sunshine is set to become far more widespread from Friday as the high pressure system pushes northward.
To begin with, the warmest temperatures are anticipated in the southeast, before the most intense heat shifts towards the south and southwest later in the week as winds swing more northeasterly.
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