Temperatures of up to 32C are expected tomorrow as a Met Éireann Status Yellow warning lasts until Tuesday morning.
The highest temperature on Sunday was recorded at Phoenix Park in Dublin, where the mercury tapped 29.3C, just below the record of 29.5C in July.
Meanwhile, temperatures reached 27C at the weather stations in Shannon, Co Clare, and at Casement Aerodrome in Co Dublin, and 26C at Mullingar in Co Westmeath, Oak Park in Co Carlow, Mount Dillon in Co Roscommon, Ballyhaise in Co Cavan and Dunsany in Co Meath .
Monday will be the hottest day of this “exceptionally warm weather” period with temperatures expected to reach 32C.
But forecasters say we should enjoy the warm weather while we still can, as rain and cooler temperatures will return on Tuesday.
With Éireann forecaster Deirdre Lowe told Independent.ie that “very high” temperatures will be seen across the country on Monday.
“The temperature will reach at least 32C in some areas. Highest temperatures will be in the north of the Midlands, north of Leinster and east of Connaught.
“On the north coast we get temperatures of up to 28 degrees.
“Along the southern coasts we might see 26C with a southerly breeze.
“The west coast may have a single patch of fog or mist, but other than that it’s going to be a beautiful day.”
In the 21st century, the highest temperature recorded was 32.3C at Elphin in Co Roscommon in 2006. Ms Lowe said it is unlikely that temperatures will get that high on Monday.
“Some records will probably be broken locally, but it probably won’t break the all-time record, but it’s not impossible.”
A yellow weather warning will remain in place on Monday for the entire country and Tuesday for the east of the country, and “tropical nights” must be taken into account.
“That is when the temperature rises above 27C during the day and does not fall below 15C at night.
“The nights will be very warm and temperatures in Dublin and Belfast will not fall below 20C making it a tropical night. So it will be quite uncomfortable to sleep,” Ms Lowe warned.
While high temperature warnings remain in effect, Met Éireann’s message is to enjoy the heat while you can.
“The sun’s UV index will be high and people should be aware of water safety and follow the usual advice of not leaving pets in cars and wearing sunscreen.
“But otherwise, get out there and enjoy it, because it won’t be long,” said Ms. Lowe.
Monday’s hottest temperatures will be experienced in northern Leinster, Westmeath, Kildare, Meath, South Cavan and western parts of Dublin – all of which can reach 32°C, possibly even breaking 21st century records.
The all-time record was 33.3C at Kilkenny Castle in 1887.
Temperatures are expected to return to normal from Wednesday and while there is no sign of another heat wave on the horizon, it cannot be ruled out.
“There has been very hot air over the continent for a long time, so it was just a situation where low pressure developed in an area over western Portugal and this air was sucked in over Ireland,” said Ms Lowe.
“Ireland is so close to the Atlantic that it is unusual for this to happen.
“But we still have a whole summer to go, and you can’t rule anything out.
“There’s still quite a bit of heart about the continent, but even that will cool down in the coming days.”
At the moment, Met Éireann expects the coming weekend to become more restless with advancing rain.
With temperatures soaring over the weekend, Ireland’s beaches and waterways are teeming with swimmers. However, it has been a tragic week.
Environment Minister Eamon Ryan spoke to RTÉ today urging swimmers to “be careful” after a third water-related water death.
A man in his 60s died Saturday afternoon after getting into trouble while swimming in a lake near Portarlington, Co Laois.
Mr Ryan said: “It happens every time, it’s so predictable but so tragic for any family”,
Ryan expressed his condolences to the bereaved, saying: “Let’s not make it a fourth family, destroyed, ruined, in this good weather.
“Be careful, don’t go into waters you don’t know how safe they are, stay close to shore, take care of each other. We don’t want another tragic loss,” he said.
While the dry spell is not expected to last, Irish Water urged the public to watch their water use to avoid having to impose restrictions later in the summer.
“While most of the water supply is functioning normally and there are currently no plans to introduce restrictions, we expect an increase in demand for water in the coming weeks, which could put some resources under pressure.
“Particularly at this time of year and with temperatures rising, popular resorts are likely to experience higher-than-average demand,” a spokesperson said.
“A number of rural areas are also starting to come under pressure, especially in the south and central regions. Irish Water is already taking action to manage and protect stocks in parts of Co Cork and Tipperary, Carron in Co Clare and Inis Oirr in Galway.”
The HSE National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) has advised people to follow the ‘Five S’ plan: ‘Slip on clothes’ that covers your skin, such as long sleeves and collared t-shirts; ‘Slop on sunscreen’ with SPF at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children; ‘Slap on a wide-brimmed hat’; ‘Find shade’ to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and ‘Slide on sunglasses’.
Ireland has one of the world’s highest rates of skin cancer, with 13,000 new diagnoses per year.
The ISPCA also warned pet owners to keep their pets cool, hydrated and in the shade as they can become dehydrated quickly.
ISPCA public relations manager Carmel Murray said heatstroke can be fatal in pets.
“Change and fill your pet’s water bowl more often than on a normal day and put it in the shade. You can also add ice cubes to your pet’s water to keep it cool and don’t use steel bowls as they absorb the heat.
“Make sure they have access to shade and keep them indoors in cooler rooms if the heat gets too extreme.”
Signs of heat stroke in dogs include excessive panting, increased heart rate, dry or pale gums, and weakness, stupor, or collapse.