Ireland's heatwave: Limerick hotter than Lisbon as temperatures exceed 30 degrees

Ireland has recorded its hottest day of the year so far with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees in many areas.

The weather station in Mount Dillon, Co Roscommon, saw temperatures hit 31.1 degrees on Saturday afternoon. Oak Park in Co Carlow, Shannon Airport and Mullingar also had highs of 30 degrees.

Temperatures soared above 30 degrees in Magilligan, Co Derry, the first time the milestone had been reached in Northern Ireland since July 18th, 2022.

Ireland experienced a hotter day on Saturday than many parts of Portugal and Spain, with storm warnings in place for central and eastern parts of the Iberian Peninsula.

According to Met Éireann, Sunday will also start “largely dry and fine” across Ireland with long spells of sunshine and mostly light winds.

However, cloud “will build from the west with showers pushing in across west Munster in the morning extending into Connacht and western parts of Leinster during the afternoon and evening”.

Some heavy and thundery downpours are likely although it will remain very warm with highest temperatures of 22 to 29 degrees and light to moderate south to southeast or variable breezes.

A high-temperature warning will remain in place for most counties until 6pm on Sunday, while Connacht will also be under a thunderstorm alert between 3pm and 10pm on Sunday.

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.”