IRELAND IS SET to bask in some of the hottest weather of the year so far today, with temperatures forecast to climb as high as 29 degrees as a spell of hot and humid conditions takes hold across the country.
According to Met Éireann, most areas will remain dry with plenty of sunshine, while temperatures will range from 22 to 29 degrees, with the warmest conditions expected in the south and east.
The forecaster said conditions will remain very warm and humid through the week, with the heat expected to intensify further on Thursday when temperatures could exceed 30 degrees and potentially reach 33 or 34 degrees in some areas.
A status yellow high temperature warning remains in effect until Friday.
Met Éireann warned that the combination of high temperatures and humidity could make conditions uncomfortable, particularly overnight.
Temperatures are expected to remain above 15 degrees at night, with some areas seeing lows of 18 or 19 degrees.
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) June 23, 2026Warm or very warm, humid & dry for most today with plenty of sunshine and just the chance of an isolated shower🌦️
Cloudier at times though in the NW, W & SW, with just a few isolated spots of drizzle, mist & with some coastal fog possible there.
Highs generally of 22-29°C🌡️ pic.twitter.com/J68y9UrCbh
The warm spell forms part of a broader European heatwave, with temperatures topping 40 degrees in parts of southern Europe.
France has closed more than 1,300 schools as temperatures soared, while authorities reported a series of drowning deaths as people sought relief in rivers, lakes and coastal waters.
In Germany, officials reported five fatal swimming accidents over the weekend, while parts of England have been placed under the highest level of heat warning amid forecasts that June temperature records could be broken.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, longer-lasting and more intense as a result of climate change.
Met Éireann said the hot weather will increase the risk of heat stress and urged people to follow health advice on staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun and checking on vulnerable people.
The forecaster also warned that the heat could trigger thunderstorms later in the week, particularly in the northwest on Thursday, with the possibility of heavy downpours, lightning and localised flooding.
The hot spell is expected to break from Friday into the weekend as cooler Atlantic air moves in.
Temperatures are forecast to return closer to seasonal norms by Sunday, ranging between 15 and 21 degrees.
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