DAFM issues condition red extreme forest fire risk warning
The notice was issued by DAFM at 3:00p.m yesterday (July 10), and the alert will remain in effect until 12:00p.m Monday (July 14).
DAFM said: 'Arising from current weather patterns, an extreme 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 hot and dry weather conditions are forecast to remain in place over the weekend with greatly increased forest fire risks expected as a result.
According to DAFM, fire behaviour and spread rates will be moderated by live growth in upland vegetation but will be increasingly influenced by high temperatures, low humidity levels <50%, and variable light to moderate windspeeds during the span of this notice.
Windspeeds may exceed 25km/h in some areas over the weekend.
Forest fire
Forest fire risk is likely to be increased by expected high levels of public and visitor activity in fire-prone areas during the weekend.
DAFM stresses that high vigilance is needed in areas with intensive public access and recreational use.
Visitors to public recreational areas should cooperate with all fire safety requirements, and are requested not to light open fires or barbeques in forest areas.
Landowners and managers should remain vigilant to all fire activity and report all suspicious activity to An Garda Siochána.
DAFM ask visitors to forests and other recreational sites to 'cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles'.
Minster of State at DAFM, Michael Healy-Rae said: 'The current weather gives people a great opportunity to enjoy our forests, National Parks, beaches and beauty spots at their best.
'Everyone has a duty to protect these areas and our rural livelihoods from the risk of fire. We want people to enjoy themselves responsibly, but to leave the barbecues and campfires at home this weekend.
'Be mindful of how you park and report fires immediately to emergency services via 112.'
The Department advises that where a fire breaks out, at, or near recreational areas the following actions should be taken by visitors in the interests of safety:
Do not cause or light fires in and around forests or open land;
Dispose of smoking materials responsibly;
Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances;
Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire;
Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location.
Extreme weather
Separately, Met Éireann have issued two Status Yellow weather warnings for high temperatures across the country over the coming days.
The first weather warning will come into affect from 12:00p.m today (July 11) until 6:00a.m Saturday (July 12), and will impact counties Carlow, Cavan, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, and Westmeath.
The second warning is valid from 12:00p.m Saturday (July 12) until 6:00a.m Sunday (July 13), and will effect the whole country.
Daytime temperatures in excess of 27°C are expected, combined with night-time minimum temperatures in excess of 15°C, for the duration of both warnings.
Potential Impacts include the following:
Water safety issues due to increased use of lakes/beaches;
Possible forest fires;
Uncomfortable sleeping conditions;
Heat stress.
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Agriland
11-07-2025
- Agriland
DAFM issues condition red extreme forest fire risk warning
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has issued a forest fire danger rating of condition red – extreme fire risk. The notice was issued by DAFM at 3:00p.m yesterday (July 10), and the alert will remain in effect until 12:00p.m Monday (July 14). DAFM said: 'Arising from current weather patterns, an extreme 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 hot and dry weather conditions are forecast to remain in place over the weekend with greatly increased forest fire risks expected as a result. According to DAFM, fire behaviour and spread rates will be moderated by live growth in upland vegetation but will be increasingly influenced by high temperatures, low humidity levels <50%, and variable light to moderate windspeeds during the span of this notice. Windspeeds may exceed 25km/h in some areas over the weekend. Forest fire Forest fire risk is likely to be increased by expected high levels of public and visitor activity in fire-prone areas during the weekend. DAFM stresses that high vigilance is needed in areas with intensive public access and recreational use. Visitors to public recreational areas should cooperate with all fire safety requirements, and are requested not to light open fires or barbeques in forest areas. Landowners and managers should remain vigilant to all fire activity and report all suspicious activity to An Garda Siochána. DAFM ask visitors to forests and other recreational sites to 'cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles'. Minster of State at DAFM, Michael Healy-Rae said: 'The current weather gives people a great opportunity to enjoy our forests, National Parks, beaches and beauty spots at their best. 'Everyone has a duty to protect these areas and our rural livelihoods from the risk of fire. We want people to enjoy themselves responsibly, but to leave the barbecues and campfires at home this weekend. 'Be mindful of how you park and report fires immediately to emergency services via 112.' The Department advises that where a fire breaks out, at, or near recreational areas the following actions should be taken by visitors in the interests of safety: Do not cause or light fires in and around forests or open land; Dispose of smoking materials responsibly; Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances; Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire; Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location. Extreme weather Separately, Met Éireann have issued two Status Yellow weather warnings for high temperatures across the country over the coming days. The first weather warning will come into affect from 12:00p.m today (July 11) until 6:00a.m Saturday (July 12), and will impact counties Carlow, Cavan, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, and Westmeath. The second warning is valid from 12:00p.m Saturday (July 12) until 6:00a.m Sunday (July 13), and will effect the whole country. Daytime temperatures in excess of 27°C are expected, combined with night-time minimum temperatures in excess of 15°C, for the duration of both warnings. Potential Impacts include the following: Water safety issues due to increased use of lakes/beaches; Possible forest fires; Uncomfortable sleeping conditions; Heat stress.
Irish Independent
11-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Ireland's heatwave: Area with highest temperature named as forest fire alert issued
LIVE | Mini-heatwave on way as some parts of the country won't dip below 18C overnightStatus Yellow high temperature warning to come into effect from midday Rare Condition Red Forest Fire warning issued by the Department of Agriculture Today at 11:38 27 minutes ago High of 29C in Phoenix Park The provisional highest temperature for today has been revealed by Met Éireann. The thermometers showed 29C in Phoenix Park, Dublin, a spokesperson for the national forecaster said, as even higher temperatures are expected tomorrow. Adrianna Wrona Today 11:35 AM Red warning issued for forest fire danger A rare Condition Red Forest Fire warning has been issued by the Department of Agriculture as Condition Red is the highest level of Fire Danger warning and its use is rare in Ireland. Visitors to forests, parks, beaches and other recreations areas are asked not to bring barbecues and other sources of ignition to these areas and to be mindful of parking and access to these areas by emergency services. "Under extreme fire risk conditions, any ignition source in dead grasses and low moisture shrub fuels like gorse and heather may give rise to rapid and unpredictable wildfire development and spread," said a statement from the Department of Agriculture. "Upland fires in these weather conditions can be expected to pose extreme difficulties to firefighting efforts. "Fires at this time of year can also have a devastating impact on wildlife and habitats, especially fledgling birds and young mammals living in affected areas. Smoke from uncontrolled fires can also impact on human populations downwind of fire incidents." Farmers are requested to be particularly vigilant with the use of machinery around hay meadows and to refrain from the use of fire on farmland. Michael Healy-Rae, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, said: "The current weather gives people a great opportunity to enjoy our forests, National Parks, beaches and beauty spots at their best. "Everyone has a duty to protect these areas and our rural livelihoods from the risk of fire. We want people to enjoy themselves responsibly, but to leave the barbecues and campfires at home this weekend. Be mindful of how you park and report fires immediately to emergency services via 112.' Today 08:44 AM 'Tomorrow will be hotter' - says Met Éireann's Gerry Murphy Met Éireann senior forecaster Gerry Murphy has said that while the hot weather is not technically a heatwave, it certainly feels like one. He expects tomorrow "will be hotter" across the country, as temperatures are already hitting 27C in Oak Park in Co Carlow this afternoon. "It's more considered to be a hot spell, because the definition for a heatwave in Ireland is five consecutive days above 25C, but in this instance, we are only going to see those temperatures for four days," he told RTÉ's News at One. "So, it's not a heatwave, but it certainly feels like a heatwave." Temperatures are expected to hit their peak around 3pm today, with overall highs between 25C and 29C or 30C expected. "Tomorrow will be hotter. We can expect places to exceed 30C tomorrow, especially in parts of the midlands." The long-standing highest temperature record is unlikely to be broken over the coming days. Temperatures hit highs of 33.3C in Kilkenny Castle in 1887, while the highest temperatures in recent years were recorded in Phoenix Park in 2022, when the mercury hit 33C. While it is "not not impossible and we will be approaching those figures", Mr Murphy said it is unlikely to reach 33C during such a short spell of hot weather. Nighttime temperatures between 13C to 18C are expected at night, but conditions will not be "very oppressive" as the air will be quite dry, rather than humid. However, there is still a risk of heat stress, especially in the eastern half of the country and for more vulnerable people as Mr Murphy urged the public to "take care" of those who may be vulnerable. Maeve McTaggart Today 07:17 AM Another Status Yellow high temperature warning has been issued for 18 counties on Sunday as conditions heat up across the country. A warning is currently in place for 14 counties, which will extend to the entire country on Saturday afternoon. Met Éireann has now issued another warning for 18 counties on Sunday as temperatures are set to climb close to 30C this weekend, with little relief from the hot weather offered at night. A Status Yellow high temperature warning will be in effect for all counties in Connacht as well as counties Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Donegal, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary. It will come into effect at noon on Sunday, remaining in place until 6pm that evening before the hot, sunny conditions are expected to break early next week. Maeve McTaggart Today 07:07 AM A Status Yellow high temperature warning is now in effect for 14 counties, predominantly in the midlands and eastern parts of the country. Counties Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tipperary could all see temperatures over 27C today. Met Éireann has warned of possible heat stress and uncomfortable sleeping conditions for those counties tonight as nighttime temperatures are unlikely to fall below 15C. The potential risk of water safety issues has also increased as people flock to rivers and beaches across the country, with the those enjoying the sun urged to only enter lifeguarded waterways. The warning will remain in effect until 6am tomorrow morning, before it is extended to the entire country from noon. Maeve McTaggart Today 06:51 AM Today 05:54 AM RNLI urges public to swim on lifeguarded beaches As the country prepares for the very warm weather, the RNLI has urged families to put safety first. The RNLI has asked those planning a trip to the coast or inland waterways to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe. They have urged people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flag, to check the weather forecast and tide times, and to read local hazard signage to understand local risks. The public has been urged to keep a close eye on family, both on the beach and in the water, and to make sure people do not swim alone. Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI water safety lead, said: 'We are expecting people to head to the coast during the hot weather, it is a great way to have fun, relax and cool off in high temperatures. 'Choosing a lifeguarded beach will mean our lifeguards can ensure you enjoy a safe visit. Please head to a lifeguarded beach, swim between flags. 'Remember: where there are no flags, there are no lifeguards. 'If you find yourself in trouble, Float to Live. Knowing this technique and encouraging your family to practice it, could save your life. 'Whether you get into difficulty in the water at the coast or on any of our inland waters, Float to Live: tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. 'Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. 'It's fine if your legs sink – we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. 'Once you've regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.' Water Safety Ireland urged anyone visiting the beach to enter the water slowly. It said: 'Whether you're swimming, surfing, or paddleboarding, make safety your top priority. 'Enter the water slowly to avoid cold water shock. Supervise children and hold their hand near water.' Today 04:08 AM Cork to see free suncream in parks The people of Cork will be able receive free suncream at four parks across the city from Monday. Visitors to Marina Park, Fitzgerald's Park, Clashduv Park and Meelick Park - which are owned by Cork City Council - will have access to free SPF50 suncream through new dispensers. Labour Party councillors John Maher and Peter Horgan brought the idea of the scheme to Cork City Council, motivated in part by figures from the Irish Cancer Society which found the cost of suncream has prevented one in 10 people from using it. The pilot scheme will run until the end of summer in partnership with the HSE. Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Maher said: "Just because we're not in mainland Spain, and you know, the sun isn't always belting down on us, the sun is still dangerous in Ireland, and the UV rays that it gives off. So, this is giving people a bit of protection in our public parks." The dispensers will contain SPF 50 and will also feature a UV dial and a mirror to help people applying their suncream. Maeve McTaggart Today 03:29 AM Today 03:05 AM Hosepipe bans begin in the UK Hosepipe ban begins in Yorkshire as summer's third heatwave grips country A hosepipe ban is coming into force in Yorkshire as the third heatwave of the summer grips the country. Households in Yorkshire are the first to be hit with the ban after months of extremely hot and dry weather across England, with more high temperatures forecast over the weekend. Temperatures could reach 32C in parts of central and southern England on Friday and are expected to remain high into the weekend, with a yellow heat health alert in place for all regions in England until July 15. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency, warns of the potential for a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over, or with health conditions, because of the heat. Ellie Crabbe, PA Today 03:04 AM Today 03:03 AM Today 02:52 AM Status Yellow high temperature warning to come into effect from midday A Status Yellow high temperature warning will come into effect for 14 counties from midday, with Met Éireann warning of temperatures higher than 27C. There will be plenty of sunshine, clear skies and dry weather throughout the coming days. Nighttime temperatures are unlikely to fall below 15C. The forecaster has warned of uncomfortable sleeping conditions and the potential risk of heat stress, water safety issues and forest fires. It will extend to the entire country from noon on Saturday and will in effect until 6am on Sunday morning. There will be a break in the "mini heatwave" next week, when more unsettled and cooler weather is expected from Monday. Scattered showers will return as Met Éireann forecasts a band of rain moving over the country throughout the morning and continuing into Tuesday. Maeve McTaggart Today 02:43 AM Do you put suncream on a cow? Farmers will also be watching out for their cattle as the mercury climbs this weekend, with Peter Hynes in Aherla, Co Cork, even using sun cream on the udders of his show cows if they need it. 'I think the most important thing at the moment is to ensure they have a good water supply and are in a shaded paddock,' said Mr Hynes. The show cows are more at risk of sunburn as their fur is clipped. He keeps them indoors during hot spells, but would use sun cream on their udders if they needed to be out in the sun for extended periods of time. 'Over the weekend, we have to be mindful of how sun affects us – it is the same for animals and you don't want them distressed,' he said. His cattle currently need around four kilos of dairy nuts a day due to a lack of grass on the farm, in comparison to the usual two or three kilos he would be feeding his herd this time of year. However, there has also been a silver lining to the current conditions, with the farmer's maize reaching new heights. 'Generally, maize in Ireland should be around knee-high by July 4 but our maize crop was actually over seven feet by July 4 and putting up cobs. 'It's extremely unusual for this country to see maize at that height and putting up cobs that early, but it is down to the weather.' Gash Gardens in Portlaoise, which Ross Doyle runs with his wife Mary, has seen a surge in visitors in the last few days, with 'all hands on deck' this week to keep four acres of grounds watered during the warm weather. 'When we saw the heatwave coming, even though it's fantastic to see the hot weather, it brings a lot of extra work,' said Mr Doyle. Today 02:42 AM Today 02:41 AM Today 02:40 AM Zoos and wildlife parks stock the freezers The freezers in Fota Wildlife Park in Cork are also fully stocked with ice blocks. Some are filled with fruit and leaves, others with meat and even blood. Senior ranger Cathriona Ni Scanaill said animal welfare is a priority through all seasons, with the Fota team thinking 'outside the box' to keep every animal from the meerkats to the big cats cool and entertained. There are shady areas and access to water in every habitat, which are adapted to the needs of each animal. Rhinos use mud wallows to cool down, as they would in the wild, and the ostriches give themselves dust baths, while semi-aquatic animals like capybaras and tapirs have access to ponds. 'With the rhinos, sometimes we give them a hose shower, which they really enjoy. For a lot of the primates and even the big cats, we prep ice blocks – sometimes with fruit in them so they have to work to get the fruit out,' said Ms Ni Scanaill. 'We pop in little treats, maybe grapes. For the big cats like the tigers, lions, we put in chunks of meat, or we could use blood [in the blocks] as well to help cool them down. For the giraffes, we might pop an ice box up with leaves in it.' The freezers are prepped with ice blocks and frozen peas, which are scatter-fed to the primates in their care. Ms Ni Scanaill said the rangers are well prepared and all the animals seem to be enjoying the sunny spells, though she urged all visitors to bring their sun cream if they are planning a trip. 'All the animals seem happy and contended with us. It's really nice here, the sky is absolutely blue and the trees are green, but you also get the lovely breeze coming in from Cork Harbour so that really helps to cool the place down.' Today 02:39 AM Surge in sales of hot tubs, barbecues and garden furniture Hardware suppliers have reported a surge in sales of hot tubs, barbecues and garden furniture in anticipation of the hot weather. Supermarkets including SuperValu, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and Marks & Spencer said they had already sold out of hot-dog rolls, burger buns and charcoal in anticipation of a weekend of outdoor eating. SuperValu expects iced coffee sales to increase by 200pc, while sun cream sales are up 400pc and sales of bags of ice have doubled in their stores. Woodies, B&Q, 4Home and Home Value reported a surge in sales of barbecues, garden chairs and parasols as families unable to head to the beach prepared to make the most of the fine weather in their back gardens. Oisín Kelly at Woodies in Airside Retail Park, Swords, said parasols, gazebos and patio furniture have been a major hit in store, while 'plants and compost have been really popular'. Caroline Whelan, who runs A Room Outside in Co Limerick, said: 'We have also had a big run on hot tubs at the moment. They have been popular all through this season so far, but they are selling quite well at the moment.'
Irish Independent
11-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Rare Condition Red Forest Fire warning issued as temperatures to soar to 30C this weekend
15 minutes ago Red warning issued for forest fire danger A rare Condition Red Forest Fire warning has been issued by the Department of Agriculture as Condition Red is the highest level of Fire Danger warning and its use is rare in Ireland. Visitors to forests, parks, beaches and other recreations areas are asked not to bring barbecues and other sources of ignition to these areas and to be mindful of parking and access to these areas by emergency services. "Under extreme fire risk conditions, any ignition source in dead grasses and low moisture shrub fuels like gorse and heather may give rise to rapid and unpredictable wildfire development and spread," said a statement from the Department of Agriculture. "Upland fires in these weather conditions can be expected to pose extreme difficulties to firefighting efforts. "Fires at this time of year can also have a devastating impact on wildlife and habitats, especially fledgling birds and young mammals living in affected areas. Smoke from uncontrolled fires can also impact on human populations downwind of fire incidents." Farmers are requested to be particularly vigilant with the use of machinery around hay meadows and to refrain from the use of fire on farmland. Michael Healy-Rae, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, said: "The current weather gives people a great opportunity to enjoy our forests, National Parks, beaches and beauty spots at their best. "Everyone has a duty to protect these areas and our rural livelihoods from the risk of fire. We want people to enjoy themselves responsibly, but to leave the barbecues and campfires at home this weekend. Be mindful of how you park and report fires immediately to emergency services via 112.' Today 08:44 AM 'Tomorrow will be hotter' - says Met Éireann's Gerry Murphy Met Éireann senior forecaster Gerry Murphy has said that while the hot weather is not technically a heatwave, it certainly feels like one. He expects tomorrow "will be hotter" across the country, as temperatures are already hitting 27C in Oak Park in Co Carlow this afternoon. "It's more considered to be a hot spell, because the definition for a heatwave in Ireland is five consecutive days above 25C, but in this instance, we are only going to see those temperatures for four days," he told RTÉ's News at One. "So, it's not a heatwave, but it certainly feels like a heatwave." Temperatures are expected to hit their peak around 3pm today, with overall highs between 25C and 29C or 30C expected. "Tomorrow will be hotter. We can expect places to exceed 30C tomorrow, especially in parts of the midlands." The long-standing highest temperature record is unlikely to be broken over the coming days. Temperatures hit highs of 33.3C in Kilkenny Castle in 1887, while the highest temperatures in recent years were recorded in Phoenix Park in 2022, when the mercury hit 33C. While it is "not not impossible and we will be approaching those figures", Mr Murphy said it is unlikely to reach 33C during such a short spell of hot weather. Nighttime temperatures between 13C to 18C are expected at night, but conditions will not be "very oppressive" as the air will be quite dry, rather than humid. However, there is still a risk of heat stress, especially in the eastern half of the country and for more vulnerable people as Mr Murphy urged the public to "take care" of those who may be vulnerable. Maeve McTaggart Today 07:17 AM Another Status Yellow high temperature warning has been issued for 18 counties on Sunday as conditions heat up across the country. A warning is currently in place for 14 counties, which will extend to the entire country on Saturday afternoon. Met Éireann has now issued another warning for 18 counties on Sunday as temperatures are set to climb close to 30C this weekend, with little relief from the hot weather offered at night. A Status Yellow high temperature warning will be in effect for all counties in Connacht as well as counties Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Donegal, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary. It will come into effect at noon on Sunday, remaining in place until 6pm that evening before the hot, sunny conditions are expected to break early next week. Maeve McTaggart Today 07:07 AM A Status Yellow high temperature warning is now in effect for 14 counties, predominantly in the midlands and eastern parts of the country. Counties Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tipperary could all see temperatures over 27C today. Met Éireann has warned of possible heat stress and uncomfortable sleeping conditions for those counties tonight as nighttime temperatures are unlikely to fall below 15C. The potential risk of water safety issues has also increased as people flock to rivers and beaches across the country, with the those enjoying the sun urged to only enter lifeguarded waterways. The warning will remain in effect until 6am tomorrow morning, before it is extended to the entire country from noon. Maeve McTaggart Today 06:51 AM Today 05:54 AM RNLI urges public to swim on lifeguarded beaches As the country prepares for the very warm weather, the RNLI has urged families to put safety first. The RNLI has asked those planning a trip to the coast or inland waterways to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe. They have urged people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flag, to check the weather forecast and tide times, and to read local hazard signage to understand local risks. The public has been urged to keep a close eye on family, both on the beach and in the water, and to make sure people do not swim alone. Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI water safety lead, said: 'We are expecting people to head to the coast during the hot weather, it is a great way to have fun, relax and cool off in high temperatures. 'Choosing a lifeguarded beach will mean our lifeguards can ensure you enjoy a safe visit. Please head to a lifeguarded beach, swim between flags. 'Remember: where there are no flags, there are no lifeguards. 'If you find yourself in trouble, Float to Live. Knowing this technique and encouraging your family to practice it, could save your life. 'Whether you get into difficulty in the water at the coast or on any of our inland waters, Float to Live: tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. 'Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. 'It's fine if your legs sink – we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. 'Once you've regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.' Water Safety Ireland urged anyone visiting the beach to enter the water slowly. It said: 'Whether you're swimming, surfing, or paddleboarding, make safety your top priority. 'Enter the water slowly to avoid cold water shock. Supervise children and hold their hand near water.' Today 04:08 AM Cork to see free suncream in parks The people of Cork will be able receive free suncream at four parks across the city from Monday. Visitors to Marina Park, Fitzgerald's Park, Clashduv Park and Meelick Park - which are owned by Cork City Council - will have access to free SPF50 suncream through new dispensers. Labour Party councillors John Maher and Peter Horgan brought the idea of the scheme to Cork City Council, motivated in part by figures from the Irish Cancer Society which found the cost of suncream has prevented one in 10 people from using it. The pilot scheme will run until the end of summer in partnership with the HSE. Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Maher said: "Just because we're not in mainland Spain, and you know, the sun isn't always belting down on us, the sun is still dangerous in Ireland, and the UV rays that it gives off. So, this is giving people a bit of protection in our public parks." The dispensers will contain SPF 50 and will also feature a UV dial and a mirror to help people applying their suncream. Maeve McTaggart Today 03:29 AM Today 03:05 AM Hosepipe bans begin in the UK Hosepipe ban begins in Yorkshire as summer's third heatwave grips country A hosepipe ban is coming into force in Yorkshire as the third heatwave of the summer grips the country. Households in Yorkshire are the first to be hit with the ban after months of extremely hot and dry weather across England, with more high temperatures forecast over the weekend. Temperatures could reach 32C in parts of central and southern England on Friday and are expected to remain high into the weekend, with a yellow heat health alert in place for all regions in England until July 15. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency, warns of the potential for a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over, or with health conditions, because of the heat. Ellie Crabbe, PA Today 03:04 AM Today 03:03 AM Today 03:03 AM Today 02:52 AM Status Yellow high temperature warning to come into effect from midday A Status Yellow high temperature warning will come into effect for 14 counties from midday, with Met Éireann warning of temperatures higher than 27C. There will be plenty of sunshine, clear skies and dry weather throughout the coming days. Nighttime temperatures are unlikely to fall below 15C. The forecaster has warned of uncomfortable sleeping conditions and the potential risk of heat stress, water safety issues and forest fires. It will extend to the entire country from noon on Saturday and will in effect until 6am on Sunday morning. There will be a break in the "mini heatwave" next week, when more unsettled and cooler weather is expected from Monday. Scattered showers will return as Met Éireann forecasts a band of rain moving over the country throughout the morning and continuing into Tuesday. Maeve McTaggart Today 02:43 AM Do you put suncream on a cow? Farmers will also be watching out for their cattle as the mercury climbs this weekend, with Peter Hynes in Aherla, Co Cork, even using sun cream on the udders of his show cows if they need it. 'I think the most important thing at the moment is to ensure they have a good water supply and are in a shaded paddock,' said Mr Hynes. The show cows are more at risk of sunburn as their fur is clipped. He keeps them indoors during hot spells, but would use sun cream on their udders if they needed to be out in the sun for extended periods of time. 'Over the weekend, we have to be mindful of how sun affects us – it is the same for animals and you don't want them distressed,' he said. His cattle currently need around four kilos of dairy nuts a day due to a lack of grass on the farm, in comparison to the usual two or three kilos he would be feeding his herd this time of year. However, there has also been a silver lining to the current conditions, with the farmer's maize reaching new heights. 'Generally, maize in Ireland should be around knee-high by July 4 but our maize crop was actually over seven feet by July 4 and putting up cobs. 'It's extremely unusual for this country to see maize at that height and putting up cobs that early, but it is down to the weather.' Gash Gardens in Portlaoise, which Ross Doyle runs with his wife Mary, has seen a surge in visitors in the last few days, with 'all hands on deck' this week to keep four acres of grounds watered during the warm weather. 'When we saw the heatwave coming, even though it's fantastic to see the hot weather, it brings a lot of extra work,' said Mr Doyle. Today 02:42 AM Today 02:41 AM Today 02:40 AM Zoos and wildlife parks stock the freezers The freezers in Fota Wildlife Park in Cork are also fully stocked with ice blocks. Some are filled with fruit and leaves, others with meat and even blood. Senior ranger Cathriona Ni Scanaill said animal welfare is a priority through all seasons, with the Fota team thinking 'outside the box' to keep every animal from the meerkats to the big cats cool and entertained. There are shady areas and access to water in every habitat, which are adapted to the needs of each animal. Rhinos use mud wallows to cool down, as they would in the wild, and the ostriches give themselves dust baths, while semi-aquatic animals like capybaras and tapirs have access to ponds. 'With the rhinos, sometimes we give them a hose shower, which they really enjoy. For a lot of the primates and even the big cats, we prep ice blocks – sometimes with fruit in them so they have to work to get the fruit out,' said Ms Ni Scanaill. 'We pop in little treats, maybe grapes. For the big cats like the tigers, lions, we put in chunks of meat, or we could use blood [in the blocks] as well to help cool them down. For the giraffes, we might pop an ice box up with leaves in it.' The freezers are prepped with ice blocks and frozen peas, which are scatter-fed to the primates in their care. Ms Ni Scanaill said the rangers are well prepared and all the animals seem to be enjoying the sunny spells, though she urged all visitors to bring their sun cream if they are planning a trip. 'All the animals seem happy and contended with us. It's really nice here, the sky is absolutely blue and the trees are green, but you also get the lovely breeze coming in from Cork Harbour so that really helps to cool the place down.' Today 02:39 AM Surge in sales of hot tubs, barbecues and garden furniture Hardware suppliers have reported a surge in sales of hot tubs, barbecues and garden furniture in anticipation of the hot weather. Supermarkets including SuperValu, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and Marks & Spencer said they had already sold out of hot-dog rolls, burger buns and charcoal in anticipation of a weekend of outdoor eating. SuperValu expects iced coffee sales to increase by 200pc, while sun cream sales are up 400pc and sales of bags of ice have doubled in their stores. Woodies, B&Q, 4Home and Home Value reported a surge in sales of barbecues, garden chairs and parasols as families unable to head to the beach prepared to make the most of the fine weather in their back gardens. Oisín Kelly at Woodies in Airside Retail Park, Swords, said parasols, gazebos and patio furniture have been a major hit in store, while 'plants and compost have been really popular'. Caroline Whelan, who runs A Room Outside in Co Limerick, said: 'We have also had a big run on hot tubs at the moment. They have been popular all through this season so far, but they are selling quite well at the moment.' Ralph Riegel Today 02:37 AM Ireland set to sizzle as sun-lovers enjoy 30C on hottest day of year Mini-heatwave on way as some parts of the country won't dip below 18C overnight Ireland will experience the hottest day of the year this weekend – as high as 30C. The mini-heatwave will also make it hard to sleep, with some parts of the country having overnight temperatures stuck around 18C. Met Éireann has forecast 29C for tomorrow, and huge crowds are expected to head to coastal areas to make the most of the sunshine. Forecaster Aoife Kealy said Ireland's hottest temperature of the year to date – 29.5C at Mount Dillon in Co Roscommon on June 20 – could be topped over the next 48 hours, with some sheltered inland areas possibly hitting 30C or slightly higher. The mini-heatwave will not set a new July record – the hottest July day ever recorded was in Dublin's Phoenix Park on July 18, 2022, when the temperature reached 33C. Over a million people will head to coastal and lake resorts, and gardaí and local authorities warned people to allow time for their journeys and to expect possible congestion. Parking is expected to be at a premium at popular locations throughout the weekend. Lifeguards said they were gearing up for one of their busiest weekends of the year. Arron Duffy, who works alongside his sister, Alicia, on Claremont Beach in Howth, Co Dublin, issued a warning to sun lovers. 'Always ensure that you swim between our flags, our red and yellow flags. That's our patrol zone, and that's where we'll be able to keep an eye on you,' he told the Irish Independent. 'Swimming in a big group is always good because you'll have a lot of people to look out for you. And if, God forbid, you get into trouble in the sea, what I would advise would be to remain calm. Try to keep your head above water with basic strokes.' Water Safety Ireland also urged those heading for the beach to 'make safety a top priority' this weekend.
