A status yellow high temperature warning remains in effect for several Irish counties as the hot spell is expected to persist into next week, prompting calls for water conservation. The warning applies to Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, and Mayo from Monday afternoon until Wednesday morning, with Met Éireann forecasting maximum temperatures exceeding 27°C and overnight lows of at least 15°C.
Heat Risks and Further Warnings
Met Éireann warned that the conditions could lead to heat stress, water safety issues, forest fires, and uncomfortable sleeping. Meteorologist Rebecca Cantwell told RTÉ that “the end is not near, as of yet” and that the “good weather keeps on coming,” adding that areas of high pressure could continue into next week. She indicated that further weather warnings might be issued later in the week.
Water Supply Concerns
Uisce Éireann’s regional operations senior manager Stephen Burke said the utility was initially primarily concerned with supplies in the greater Dublin area—including Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, and parts of Meath—but is now “increasingly concerned” about parts of Wexford, south Tipperary, east Limerick, west Cork, west Kerry, north Donegal, mid Galway, and south Mayo due to record high demand for drinking water.
Conservation Measures Advised
Mr. Burke advised people to conserve water where possible, such as by avoiding watering gardens and taking shorter showers, to prevent the introduction of a hosepipe ban (water conservation order). He admitted that such a ban was “increasingly likely” if demand does not decrease.
Health Advice
The HSE has advised the public to be aware of the increased risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sunburn during the ongoing hot weather.
