**Its been Irelands warmest August day on record**

Breaking news - Ireland has today recorded it warmest August temperatures on record with a temperature of 31.7C recorded in Oak Park at the Met Eireann weather station in Co. Carlow.

The previous record was 31.5C set at both Ballybrittas, Co Laois in 1975 and Oak Park Carlow in 1995

This temperatures record could to be broken Saturday again with temperatures set to rise possibly as high as 32C on Saturday in places as we move into the peak of the heatwave heat.

Condition Orange - high fire risk also has been issued

From 1200hrs 10/08/2022

Effective Period Expires 1200hrs 16/08/2022

Arising from current weather patterns a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist. A high-pressure system currently positioned over Ireland will influence high air temperatures, low daytime humidity and light windspeeds during the rest of this week and into the weekend.

Recent similar hot weather phases have seen fire activity firmly associated with public recreation activities. Members of the public intending to visit forests and other recreational sites are reminded to adhere to regulations regarding fire use. Forest visitors should not use barbeques or open fires at any stage. Vehicles must not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service access to forest roads.

Fire risk is expected to peak over the coming weekend 13th/14th August. Where fires occur, fire behaviour is likely to be influenced by light windspeeds in the 5-10kmh region. Higher windspeeds may be experienced at times in coastal areas. Fire behaviour will be moderated by live fuel availability however live fuel moisture levels in key fuels may degrade over time.

Pending significant rainfall, this risk condition will remain in place until 1200hrs on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 unless otherwise stated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.