Temperatures Reach 30°C in eastern Ireland as heat warning takes effect

Temperatures reached 30°C in eastern Ireland under 13 county warnings.
The heat has affected outdoor tourism during peak visitor season.
EirGrid noted a boost in solar energy supply to the grid.
Thursday will see continued heat with possible showers and thunderstorms.
The hot spell coincides with the total solar eclipse.

Temperatures have reached 30 degrees Celsius in parts of eastern Ireland, with weather warnings covering 13 counties during the peak summer visitor season. Met Éireann recorded the high at stations including Oak Park in Carlow and Casement Aerodrome in Dublin, marking the fourth consecutive month such temperatures have been noted at primary weather stations, surpassing previous records set in 1976 and 2022. The hot spell has affected outdoor tourism activities and prompted travellers to take precautions amid the elevated conditions. Met services highlighted the conditions, with the heat also contributing to a boost in solar energy supply to the grid, as noted by EirGrid.

The high temperatures coincide with a total solar eclipse visible in Ireland, drawing considerable attention to weather conditions. Areas under alert include Tipperary and the entirety of Leinster, with forecasters predicting another day of sunny spells and temperatures between 20 and 29 degrees on Thursday. However, showers are expected to affect parts of Connacht and Ulster, with the possibility of isolated thunderstorms spreading further eastwards later in the day. The heat has driven demand for eclipse glasses, which are essential for safe viewing, and authorities have urged the public to use approved solar filters to prevent eye damage.

The combination of the heatwave and celestial event has created a unique travel scenario, with visitor safety a primary concern as people gather outdoors to observe the eclipse. Met Éireann has advised those on excursions or long visits to prepare for warm conditions while remaining aware that Irish weather can change rapidly, with a light to moderate southwest to west breeze forecast along western coasts. The solar energy boost noted by EirGrid reflects the increased solar radiation during the prolonged sunny conditions, contributing to the energy grid during the heatwave.