Met Éireann have issued a yellow weather warning for Westmeath

Met Éireann have issued a yellow weather warning for Westmeath and a number of other counties as temperatures are set to soar over the coming days.

The meteorological service says maximum temperatures in excess of 27°C combined with night-time minima in excess of 15°C are expected.

The affected regions are: Carlow, Cavan, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, and Westmeath.

Met Éireann anticipated the expected onset of the weather event tomorrow, Friday from 12:00 noon and set to continue until 6:00am on Saturday.

The weather service has also issued a potato blight advisory. The affected regions are: Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow.

The HSE said those most at risk during hot weather include babies and young children, people over 65 and those with underlying health conditions, including heart and breathing problems as well as Alzheimer's disease and dementia, people who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places - such as those who work outdoors or the homeless - are also at high risk.

With temperatures set to soar over the coming days, The Irish Blue Cross is appealing to the public to protect their pets from the heat.

Heatwaves pose a serious risk to pets, particularly dogs, cats and small furry pets. Unlike humans, many animals struggle to regulate their body temperature, making them highly susceptible to heatstroke and dehydration.

Dr Sophie Olah, Head of Veterinary Services at The Irish Blue Cross explains: “While most people look forward to and enjoy hot weather, us humans have the luxury of being able to wear lighter clothes. Unfortunately, our pets are unable to do this.

“So, over the next few days we would advise not walking dogs, unless it’s very early in the morning or the temperature has dropped sufficiently in the late evening to do so. It’s the temperature that’s important when deciding if it’s safe to walk your dog, rather than if the sun is shining.”