Ireland Records Hottest May Day at 28.6C; Temperatures to Reach 30C
Ireland set a new May temperature record of 28.6C at Shannon Airport yesterday, with forecasts predicting up to 30C today. A «heat dome» is causing the high temperatures, prompting warnings from Met Éireann and charities about sun protection and pet safety.
Ireland experienced its hottest May day on record yesterday, with a temperature of 28.6C recorded at Shannon Airport in Co Clare. This surpassed the previous May record of 28.4C set at Ardfert, Co Kerry, on May 31, 1997.
Met Éireann forecasts temperatures today to range from 23C to 29C or 30C, with Munster and south Leinster expecting the hottest conditions. This heatwave, caused by a «heat dome» of warm air from northern Africa, will continue into tomorrow, with temperatures between 22C and 30C, peaking in the midwest and west. Temperatures are expected to drop to 18C-24C on Thursday and into the low 20s by the weekend.
Met Éireann and the Irish Cancer Society advise using high SPF sunscreen due to a high UV index. The Irish Blue Cross warns pet owners against walking dogs in temperatures above 20C and leaving them in parked cars, as heatstroke can be fatal. Cat owners should check enclosed spaces before closing them.