Met Éireann has issued an orange-level thunderstorm warning for three counties as forecasters warn of “extreme thunderstorm activity” over parts of Ireland. The warning covers Cork, Kerry, and Waterford from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, with separate yellow warnings for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo from 3pm Thursday to 6pm Friday.
Heatwave Conditions and Record Temperatures
Ireland has been experiencing sweltering conditions due to a plume of extremely hot air that brought temperatures over 40°C to Europe. Temperatures in the Republic exceeded 30°C by 2pm Thursday, and meteorologists say the all-time record of 33.3°C set at Kilkenny Castle in 1887 could be challenged. The UK Met Office also issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for Northern Ireland from midnight to 10am Friday.
Met Éireann warned of “torrential downpours” leading to flooding, lightning damage, large hail, hazardous driving conditions, and gusty winds. If thunderstorm triggers of moisture, instability, and lifting mechanism are met, “it is likely that parts of the northwest and west will experience extreme thunderstorm activity” on Thursday, with less severe activity elsewhere on Friday.
Heatwave Definition and Safety Advice
Parts of Ireland may officially enter a heatwave by Friday after five consecutive summer days above 25°C. The high temperatures also raise water safety issues due to increased use of lakes and beaches, uncomfortable sleeping conditions, heat stress, and possible forest fires. The Government of Ireland advises people to stay in shade, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of fluids, and apply sunscreen.
Met Éireann meteorologist Gerry Murphy told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland on Thursday: “There is potential for the record to be challenged, but it’s not in any way certain that it’s going to be broken. There’s a number of factors. The temperatures yesterday in the west didn’t get up as high, because it was a fair amount of clouds, so that means today is not starting at a high base as it might be. And secondly, as we go through the day, there are actually thunderstorms off the west coast at the moment, and if the cloud moves in a bit further inland and those thunderstorms begin to develop later, that may keep a cap on the temperature.”
Climate Change Context
Ireland’s climate is projected to get warmer, with average temperatures increasing across all seasons and heatwaves likely to increase. Met Éireann’s annual climate statement notes that seven of the top 10 warmest years in Ireland have occurred since 2005, with 2023 being the second warmest on record. Further warming increases the likelihood of extreme weather events, posing risks to energy, transport, communications, water security, public health, food production, and ecosystems. The country will also become wetter overall, with wetter winters and drier summers, and more frequent droughts projected for summer and spring. The Environmental Protection Agency warns of increased exposure to coastal flooding due to rising sea levels.
