Met Éireann issues warning for high temperatures
Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow warning for high temperatures in eight counties today (Tuesday, May 26).
The national forecaster said that maximum temperatures in excess of 27°C are expected today, along with night-time temperatures in excess of 15°.
The warning currently applies to counties Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Kilkenny, Laois and Offaly.
The alert will come into force at midday today and remain in place until 6:00p.m on Wednesday (May 27).
High temperatures
Met Éireann said the soaring temperatures across the country bring a risk of heat stress and uncomfortable sleeping conditions.
There may also be an increased possibility of forest fires and potential water safety issues due to increased use of lakes, rivers and beaches.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has also issued a Condition Orange warning for high fire risk.
This warning is due to remain in place until midday on Friday (May, 29).
Due to the current weather patterns and high temperatures, the department said that 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.
"Current conditions are forecast to largely remain in place throughout the span of this notice with reduction in temperatures and light showers possible in some areas.
"While some areas may be subject to light rain later during this time, elevated fire risks are expected in all areas during this period," the department said.
Fire risk
DAFM said advised there should be increased vigilance to fire in "areas with open public access, active turf-cutting and other high-risk activities".
It added that landowners and managers should remain vigilant to all fire activity and report all suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána.
Under the Wildlife Act, it is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between March 1 and August 31 in any year.
The department said that visitors to public recreational areas should cooperate with all fire safety requirements and not light open fires or barbeques in high-risk areas.
All forest owners and managers are being advised to prepare for likely outbreaks of fire.
Fire lines, fire plans and fire suppression equipment should be reviewed and made ready, while other relevant contingencies such as insurance and helicopter contracts should be checked and confirmed.
