Ireland Nears 1887 Record High of 33.3°C; Thunderstorms Expected
Ireland could reach its highest-ever temperature today, potentially challenging the 33.3°C record from 1887. Met Éireann forecasts highs of 25-31°C, with thunderstorms expected. A Status Yellow warning is in place as hot, humid conditions persist until the weekend.
Ireland is experiencing a peak in hot and humid weather today, with Met Éireann forecasting highs of 25 to 31 degrees Celsius, potentially higher in the midlands and west. The current Irish temperature record is 33.3 degrees Celsius, set at Kilkenny Castle on June 26, 1887. Forecasters suggested on Wednesday that temperatures could reach 33 degrees Celsius in Connacht, challenging this long-standing record.
Met Éireann forecaster Ailís Hankinson noted the potential for records to be broken today, with 31 or 32 degrees Celsius expected more widely across the west and midlands. However, forecaster Gerry Murphy cautioned that breaking the record is not certain, citing cloud cover in the west yesterday. Average June temperatures are typically 16 to 19 degrees Celsius.
Thunderstorms are likely to develop later today in the west and northwest, potentially bringing torrential downpours, hail, frequent lightning, and gusty winds. A nationwide Status Yellow high temperature warning remains until Friday. Overnight temperatures will stay high, 17 to 20 degrees Celsius, with heavy showers and a risk of spot flooding.
Friday will remain warm and humid, 23 to 29 degrees Celsius, with widespread showers. The heat, driven by warm air from Europe, will ease over the weekend as Atlantic weather moves in, with temperatures dropping to 17 to 23 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 15 to 20 degrees Celsius on Sunday. People are advised to take care, drink water, stay in the shade, and use sunscreen.