Scorcher for Cork with 27°C highs expected as ‘heat dome’ spreads across Europe

It’s really starting to feel like a proper summer here on Leeside

Myrtleville in the sunshine(Image: Sara Rountree)

Here in Cork, it’s been a fairly mixed June so far, with a few spells of clear, sunny weather breaking up a fairly disappointing start to the summer. However, in the coming days, Rebels will be flocking to the beaches once again, as Cork is in for a scorcher with highs of 27°C on the cards.

The highest temperatures over the next week will be felt in Cork city and the surrounding areas, with Tuesday expected to be the warmest day. Coastal areas like Youghal and Kinsale will see slightly cooler temperatures, while down in West Cork, the mercury will hover around the low twenties for much of the week.

Elsewhere in the country, temperatures could climb to almost 30°C over the next week as a band of high pressure brings a spell of warm, settled conditions. According to Irish weather expert Alan O’Reilly, of the ever-reliable Carlow Weather, temperatures could reach 29°C on Thursday, with dry, sunny conditions forecast for the week ahead.

In a message shared on Saturday morning, O’Reilly said: “Very little rainfall expected now up to Thursday and getting warmer with temperatures expected to peak here Thursday with up to 29°C possible before easing off for next weekend.”

For those heading abroad over the coming days, it’s even more important to be aware of local weather conditions, as while Ireland will be sitting in the sweet spot of summer weather, temperatures will reach dangerous levels across much of Europe.

A number of weather warnings have been issued in Spain, France, Germany, and Portugal, where temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C in the coming days. Weather expert O’Reilly described the conditions as ‘atypical’ for June and urged holidaymakers to stay informed, stay safe, and stay hydrated if they’re travelling over the coming days.

For groups heading to Disneyland Paris, a popular summer destination for young families here in Cork, temperatures this week are expected to reach a high of 42°C

Now that some proper beach weather is expected this week, Met Éireann is urging the public to “stay safe” when swimming in open water as people head to the beach to enjoy the good weather. It follows a tragic incident in Dublin last month in which a teenager drowned while out for a swim at a beach in Dublin.

Issuing their latest forecast, a Met Éireann spokesperson said: “Generally dry into the new week with a warming trend. Some very warm or even hot days are coming. A reminder to be sun-smart and stay safe if heading to the coast and waterways.”

With a potential heatwave on the horizon, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has shared lifesaving advice, including what to do if you find yourself in danger in the water; what to do if you see someone else struggling; awareness of key risks like cold water shock, and the best ways to stay safe – such as by choosing a lifeguarded beach.

The RNLI is appealing to people to remember and share its water safety advice with family and friends, particularly young people and teens, who accounted for the majority of the drowning fatalities during the last heatwave.

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s safety advice is Float to Live:

Tilt your head back with your ears submergedRelax and try to breathe normallyMove your hands and legs to help you stay afloatIt’s OK if your legs sink; we all float differentlyOnce your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.’

If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw:

Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help.Tell the struggling person to Float to Live.Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.

You can find the latest regional forecast for Munster down below.

Today

Dry and mostly sunny, with some fair weather cloud this evening. Light variable or sea breezes.

Solar UV Index

High Sunday and Monday.

Tonight

Dry with mostly clear skies. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 10 degrees in light and variable winds.

Tomorrow

Sunny and warm. Some high cloud later in the day. Top temperatures of 18 to 23 degrees, warmest further north, with light easterly or sea breezes.