3 days ago
‘Please take care' alert ahead of 32C heat blast & 18-hr high temperature warning nationwide amid fears for GAA stars
IRELAND basked in sizzling heat on one of the hottest days of the year today amid fears for the safety of GAA players after bosses ruled out water breaks.
Temperatures topped 29°C — but
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Ireland may see highs of 32C
Credit: METEOLOGIX
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Caolán Creed, Ryan Cremin, Colm Moynihan, Rian Cotter, Felim Murphy and Seán O'Leary, all from Ballingeary in Rosscarbery, West Cork
Credit: (C) Andy Gibson 086 738 8863
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Fears have been raised for GAA players in the heat
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It comes as
However, the
Meteorologist Cathal Nolan said: 'Ahead of an exceptionally busy weekend of GAA and sporting action across the country, it would be preferable if respective sporting bodies shared a directive on the permission of water breaks during play on account of the high
'For example, the
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'With values in some Midland and Northern counties [tomorrow] expected to reach up to 31 or 32°C, such breaks are important for player welfare.
'It's also advised that supporters bring plenty of liquids to the
Water breaks, which would take place at the midway point of either half, were a feature of games at all levels during the
Meanwhile, thousands headed to
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But tomorrow it's expected to climb to a blistering 32°C.
Met Eireann senior forecaster Gerry Murphy said Ireland wasn't technically experiencing a heatwave — but it felt like one.
Dream Irish weather forecast' as Met Eireann promise 28C temperatures with weekend heat blast
He predicted tomorrow will be 'even hotter' as the glorious weather was enjoyed all over the country.
He said: 'It's more considered to be a hot spell, because the definition for a heatwave in Ireland is five consecutive days above 25°C, but in this instance, we are only going to see those temperatures for four days. So, it's not a heatwave, but it certainly feels like a heatwave. Today will be hotter.
'We can expect places to exceed 30°C, especially in parts of the midlands.'
But he doesn't expect the long-standing highest temperature to be broken over the coming days.
Temperatures hit highs of 33.3°C in
Mr Murphy added: 'It's not impossible and we will be approaching those figures but it's unlikely to reach 33°C during such a short spell of hot weather.'
Temperatures between 13°C and 18°C 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.
Mr Murphy added: 'Please take care of those who may be vulnerable in this hot weather.'
WEATHER WARNINGS
A warning is currently in place for 14 counties, which will extend to the entire country tomorrow afternoon.
Another Status Yellow high temperature warning has also been issued for 18 counties tomorrow.
It will be in effect for all counties in Connacht as well as counties Carlow, Kildare, Laois, Clare, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Kilkenny, Donegal, Limerick and Tipperary.
A status yellow high temperature warning is in place for the entire country tomorrow and Sunday.
The hot, sunny conditions are expected to break early next week.
The RNLI issued a warning about water safety as crowds flock to rivers, beaches and lakes across the country, with those enjoying the sun urged to only enter lifeguarded waterways.
They have urged
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI water safety lead, said: 'Choosing a lifeguarded beach will mean our lifeguards can ensure you enjoy a safe visit.
'Please head to a lifeguarded beach and swim between flags.
'Remember, where there are no flags, there are no lifeguards.'
FIRE RISK
Meanwhile in
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, which will also feature a UV dial and a mirror to help people apply suncream.
Government officials also issued a Status Red 'extreme fire risk' warning yesterday and will remain in place until noon on Monday.
The public is being urged to act responsibly by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in order to prevent horrific fires.
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Lauren Weldon and Rob Wye from Donabate at Burrow Beach in Donabate
Credit: Garrett White - The Sun Dublin
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Sunbathing at the beach in Rosscarbery, West Cork were Lucy Hodges, Ardfield and Eva Callaghan
Credit: (C) Andy Gibson 086 738 8863
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Sarah Dower enjoying the sunshine at the beach at Garrylucas
Credit: Denis Boyle
