With temperatures predicted to reach 28°C this weekend – and to 32°C next week – Irish Water is asking families to reduce water consumption in paddling pools.
The mercury will rise to 28°C tomorrow and by Monday and Tuesday the nation could bask in temperatures of 30C to 32C or even higher.
There is even a possibility of beating Ireland’s highest temperature of 33C, measured at Kilkenny Castle in June 1887.
The water company has already asked the public to be “aware” of water use.
Met Éireann issued a yellow weather warning for ‘exceptionally warm weather’
“Remember that paddling pools and swimming pools can use huge amounts of water, so try to keep the amount of water used to a minimum and consider reusing the water for gardening or car cleaning,” said an Irish Water spokesperson.
The public has also been urged to “keep the garden hose in the shed” and “avoid powerwashing”.
Households are asked to check for leaks from outside taps and report this to Irish Water.
According to the agency, some rural areas have already seen their waters dwindle, especially in the south and central countries.
Irish Water said popular holiday resorts in Ireland are “likely” to see water supplies “under pressure” due to the higher temperatures.
Tom Cuddy, Irish Water’s head of asset operations, said that while everyone was looking forward to the period of hot, dry weather, it was important for everyone to consider their water consumption.
“Look at simple yet effective ways to conserve water,” he said. “Even small changes can make a big difference.
“By reducing water consumption in paddling pools, cutting off the hose and avoiding power washing, we can all make sure there is enough water for everyone during the summer.”
That advice came when Met Éireann issued a yellow weather warning for “exceptionally warm weather”, which runs from tomorrow until Tuesday. It said daytime temperatures would rise to “30C overall and possibly 32C on Monday”. Night temperatures remain high up to 20C.
Meteorologist Aoife Kealy said the inland counties of Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois are expected to experience the highest temperatures of up to 30C.
Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and parts of Leinster will see some of the warmest temperatures, reaching into the high 20s.
“It will be warmest for the most part in the Midlands where we will see the highest temperatures in the coming days as well as northern Munster and parts of Leinster,” she said.
“The further inland you go, the warmer it gets. The hottest weather extends across the central band of the country.
“On Monday in particular, the Midlands and parts of South Leinster will really see those high temperatures.
“If we get to 30C it will be mainly the Midlands and Leinster and also a little bit of North Muenster, so possibly parts of Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.”
Ms Kealy said it would be slightly cooler near coastal areas, although it would still be warm with these areas benefiting from a light breeze. The north and west, while not as warm, will also experience temperatures from around the mid-twenties.
Ms Kealy explained that on Tuesday we will see a change begin in the south of the country.
The counties in Leinster are expected to see the last of high temperatures and sunshine on Tuesday before the good spell of weather comes to an end.
“Tuesday will be a little different, Tuesday will have some heavy showers from the south, so that will hit around Tuesday night and those heavy showers can be quite thundery,” she said.
“Temperatures across the country will be back to normal by Wednesday.”
The Department of Agriculture has also instituted an orange warning alert to inform the public of a high risk of wildfires due to the heat.
The department said: “We have issued an orange bushfire warning due to weather patterns and the expected level of risk.
“The warning is in effect until 12:00 noon on Wednesday 20 July.”
Agriculture Secretary Charlie McConalogue also asked the public to take special care of their pets during the hot season.
He said the public should not leave dogs unattended in vehicles, even if the vehicle is parked in the shade with the windows open.