Ireland Braces for Another Heatwave as Temperatures Set to Climb Towards 30°C
Dublin: Ireland is set to experience another spell of unusually warm weather, with forecasters predicting temperatures could approach 30°C early next week.
According to Met Éireann, temperatures are expected to rise steadily over the coming days, with the warmest conditions likely from Thursday onwards. While temperatures are forecast to be significantly above average, meteorologists do not currently expect the records set during last month’s heatwave to be broken.
The average temperature for June in Ireland is typically around 18°C. However, temperatures during the upcoming warm spell are expected to be between six and eight degrees higher than seasonal norms. Last month, several weather stations across the country recorded temperatures exceeding 30°C.
The highest temperatures recorded during the May heatwave reached 30.9°C in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick, and Clonmel, County Tipperary, on May 25 and 26.
Met Éireann meteorologist Mark Bowe explained that a large area of high pressure and unusually warm air over Europe is creating a “heat dome” effect.
“There is very warm air trapped over much of Europe, which is driving exceptionally high temperatures across the continent. As this high-pressure system shifts slightly eastward, some of that warm air is expected to move towards Ireland, bringing temperatures well above 20°C in the coming days,” he said.
Europe Faces Intensifying Heatwave
The developing heatwave is not limited to Ireland. Several European countries are experiencing extreme temperatures, prompting weather warnings and emergency measures.
Amber heat warnings have already been issued across parts of the United Kingdom, where temperatures are expected to reach 30°C. Forecasters are also predicting exceptionally high temperatures across northern France, Germany and parts of Spain.
Meteorologists warn that temperature records could be challenged in several regions of Western Europe over the coming days, with severe heat alerts issued across Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany and the UK.
France Under Red Alert
France is currently experiencing its warmest spring since records began in 1900. Authorities have issued red heatwave alerts across more than a third of the country, including Paris, as temperatures continue to soar.
French weather agency Météo-France has warned that the intense heat is expected to persist for an extended period. More than 35 departments are currently under severe heatwave warnings.
The French government has also introduced restrictions during the annual Fête de la Musique celebrations, including measures to address heat-related health risks. Hundreds of schools have altered schedules to protect students and staff from extreme temperatures.
Forecasters have warned that parts of France could see temperatures exceed 40°C, raising concerns about a prolonged and potentially record-breaking heatwave.
Heat Warnings Across Europe
Germany’s weather service has issued warnings for thunderstorms, hail and heavy rainfall as unstable weather follows the extreme heat. In the UK, meteorologists have confirmed that England and Wales have experienced their warmest spring on record.
The UK Met Office has stated there is a 40% chance that the country’s long-standing June temperature record, set in 1976, could be broken.
Spain’s Civil Protection Agency has also warned that intense heat will affect most of mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands throughout the coming week.
Meanwhile, Switzerland has already recorded its highest-ever June temperature in the northern town of Schaffhausen, where the mercury reached 35.7°C. Forecasters say temperatures are expected to rise further, putting additional national records at risk.
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