Yesterday Met Eireann issued a heat advisory for Ireland warning of a hot spell of weather and Sweltering heat forecast from 15-19th July

A weather advisory is only every issued when we are around 7 to 5 days out and when a potential dangerous spell of weather could impact the wider public. A weather warning is always likely to follow around 24 to 48 hour away from the time of the weather hazard so in this case we may see early warning likely a nationwide yellow high temperature warning issued as early as Friday for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday night week.

This will be followed by a Orange high temperature warning for parts of the country also from Sunday to Tuesday with temperatures likely to rise into the low 30s for some areas. The west, northwest and east and midlands of the country at the highest risk. Temperatures are also expected to say above 20C in some places at night given a tropical night , This is rare for Ireland and has only been recorded seven times before in the Republic, with records going back 80 years.

Yellow high temperature warning

Maxima over a wide area in excess of 27C (localised higher values will occur) and minima in excess of 15C.

Orange high temperature warning

Maxima in excess of 30C for three days and minima of 20C for two nights (consecutive).

Red high temperature warning

As Orange criterion, but persisting for five or more consecutive days & nights.

Thunderstorm risk

Tuesday will be another hot day with temperatures again mid 20s and high 20s possible hitting 30C again. There will also come the risk of thunderstorm developing in places on Tuesday especially later Tuesday into Wednesday as a low pressure system moves northwards. Further potential weather warnings could be issued for this periods for some thunderstorm activity which could give some severe conditions in some places with some very active lightning. Normally after these hot plume events they are followed by a batch of thunderstorm due to the heat. Some flash flooding could also be a issue for this period.

Caution needed

The public are also asked to take care over the weekend and into the early days of next week due to the rise in temperatures. UV levels will be high country wide even under cloud.

In Ireland we are not equipped to deal with hot weather compared to country’s abroad which have the likes of air conditioning in them. Please do not leave animals in vehicles unattended and make sure to check in on your elderly neighbours.

Met Eireann also issued a update this evening for the hot spell of weather Sunday into early next week.

With some sweltering heat on the way from 15-19th July, what is causing it and what can you expect?

by Meteorologist Paul Downes

While Europe has been basking in what seems like an eternal heat wave all summer long, Ireland has seen mostly a very average summer. Over the next few days however a combination of factors will help to steer those higher temperatures our way, if only for a relatively brief spell of very warm temperatures.

So what is causing it?

***ECMWF-Temperature and geopotential height forecast***

Initially a portion of the Azores High will extend from the southwest over Ireland for the weekend. It will bring a rise in temperatures but still hold the warmer air to the south. As the high pressure moves away to the east, the anticyclonic, or clockwise rotation will steer up air from the southeast, but the real contributing factor is how it interacts with a low pressure system developing off the coast of Portugal and gradually meandering northwards. The cyclonic or anticlockwise flow of the low working in conjuction with the anticyclonic flow from the high will generate a strong surge of warm air between both systems thus pushing the warm air towards Ireland, transporting the airmass that has brought exceptional temperatures to Europe, towards Ireland.

What temperatures should we expect?

While the high builds in on Friday and Saturday the high temperatures will range generally in the low to mid 20’s. There will also be some upper cloud at times making sunshine a little hazy and there is a chance of a few showers too.

As the high begins to drift a little to the east on Sunday, temperatures will rise to mid to upper 20’s with temperatures possibly surpassing 30 locally on Monday. There is a little more uncertainty regarding Tuesday but it does look like it will be another hot day and perhaps as hot if not hotter than Monday. While this warmer air moves in our direction there will be the chance of a few thundery bursts especially on Tuesday.

With temperatures soaring, it is important to remain hydrated and be Sun Smart, that goes for animals as well as ourselves. Be prepared and remember to Be Summer Ready

The night time temperature will also be very warm and humid with temperatures on Sunday and Monday night not likely to fall below the mid to high teens and in some areas they may not fall below 20°C, which is known as a Tropical night.

We have issued a High Temperature Advisory and further to this a warning is likely to be issued in the coming days.

Ireland’s record Temperature

33.3°C Kilkenny (Kilkenny Castle) 26th June 1887

32.3°C Roscommon (Elphin) 19th July 2006

High Temperature Advisory for Ireland

Ireland will experience a hot spell Sunday and into early next week. Day time temperatures will widely reach the high twenties, possibly exceeding 30 degrees in some locations. Remaining uncomfortably warm overnight too. Updates to follow.

Valid: 15:00 Wednesday 13/07/2022 to 00:00 Wednesday 20/07/2022

Issued: 15:00 Wednesday 13/07/2022

Updated: 16:00 Wednesday 13/07/2022