Ireland will experience its first heat wave since 2003 in August this week, as temperatures reach or even exceed 30 degrees in a week of high sunshine.
Reland’s heat will mimic many of Europe’s sun holiday destinations in the coming week as Met Éireann has issued a heat stress warning to the nation.
Parts of the country, particularly in the south later in the week – with temperatures of 29 degrees or higher – will be hotter than the Algarve, the Canary Islands, Italy’s Amalfi Coast and cities like Munich, Amsterdam, Warsaw and Vienna.
Temperatures in the south will also be comparable to London, Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Marbella and the US cities of New York and Chicago.
While many will enjoy the nice weather and head to the coast, some wonder if this rather rare temperature spike in August is the result of climate change.
Conal Ruth, a forecaster at Met Éireann, said that while it is difficult to attribute a weather event to the effects of climate change, he said periods of hot weather like this are more common.
“Times of warm weather like this are something we’re seeing as we continue to change the climate. It really will only continue as we move forward,” he told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.
Ireland experienced record high temperatures at nine different weather stations last month, with Phoenix Park baking in 33c on July 18.
Many areas experienced above-average dry spells and Shannon Airport experienced its driest July in 33 years.
As the mercury rises and people flock to the coast, the Irish Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland are calling on people to take all precautions when enjoying water sports, while Gardaí urged travelers to slow down and be aware that greater numbers of cyclists and motorcyclists will use the roads.