Sizzling 30°C heat as weather warning in place
Weather update from Met Éireann
Cavan and Monaghan are bracing for some of the hottest weather of the year as temperatures are forecast to soar towards 30°C, with Met Éireann's 'Status Yellow' high temperature warning in effect nationwide.
After another warm and humid start to the day, conditions are expected to improve steadily with sunny spells becoming more widespread throughout Wednesday.
While some cloud will linger at times, particularly across western parts of the region, most areas will enjoy lengthy spells of sunshine and dry weather. Temperatures are forecast to reach between 23°C and 28°C, making it another exceptionally warm day for late June.
The heat is set to intensify further on Thursday, with forecasters predicting temperatures of between 25°C and 31°C nationally. Parts of Cavan and Monaghan could see temperatures approaching the 30°C mark as hot continental air continues to stream across the country.
Thursday is expected to begin largely dry and sunny, although there remains a risk of isolated thunderstorms developing later in the day, particularly across western and northwestern areas.
Forecasters are also warning that any storms that do develop could bring heavy downpours, frequent lightning and localised flooding.
The warm spell is being driven by a strong area of high pressure stretching across Europe, delivering unusually high temperatures and tropical-style overnight conditions.
Tonight will remain very mild and humid across Cavan and Monaghan, with temperatures only falling back to between 14°C and 20°C. Cloudier conditions may develop at times across parts of Ulster, bringing the chance of some patchy drizzle, but most areas will remain dry.
The risk of thunderstorms increases on Thursday night, with heavy showers expected to develop across parts of the west and northwest before potentially spreading further east. Forecasters say some areas could experience intense bursts of rainfall and difficult travelling conditions.
Despite the threat of thunderstorms, Friday will remain warm and humid, with temperatures still reaching the mid-twenties. However, cloud will increase and scattered outbreaks of rain are expected.
The current heatwave is not expected to last beyond the weekend.
Saturday will see temperatures ease back to between 18°C and 23°C as rain becomes more widespread, while Sunday is forecast to be noticeably cooler, with highs of around 18°C to 20°C across Cavan and Monaghan as Atlantic weather systems regain control.
Current indications suggest more changeable conditions will continue into next week, although Monday may bring a welcome return to sunshine for many areas.
With the Status Yellow warning in place and temperatures reaching levels rarely seen in Ireland, people are being advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours and check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours during the hot spell.