LAST UPDATE | 20 hrs ago

DUBLIN AIRPORT RECORDED a temperature of 27 degrees today as a spell of hot and humid conditions takes hold across the country.

According to Met Éireann, today saw most areas will remain dry with plenty of sunshine, while temperatures will range from 22 to 29 degrees, with the warmest conditions in the south and east.

An orange fire danger notice, meaning there is a high fire risk, was issued by the Department of Agriculture. It came into effect at 12pm today and will remain in place until 6pm on Saturday.

The forecaster said conditions will remain very warm and humid through the week, with the heat expected to intensify further on Thursday when temperatures could exceed 30 degrees and potentially reach 31 degrees. 

A status yellow high temperature warning remains in effect until Friday.

Met Éireann warned that the combination of high temperatures and humidity could make conditions uncomfortable, particularly overnight.

Temperatures are expected to remain above 15 degrees at night, with some areas seeing lows of 18 or 19 degrees.

In an analysis of what it’s calling the “June Hot Spell”, Met Éireann said on Monday that the extreme heat hitting Europe will affect conditions here in the coming days, even though they will not be as extreme:

Much of Europe is under a heatwave which will cause temperatures of 40 degrees or higher. A plume of extremely hot air from Europe will move towards Ireland bringing it with hot and humid conditions. The heat will build through the week, with temperatures expected to reach the high twenties and even the low thirties by Thursday.

Met Éireann adds that it will become “very humid” and that Thursday afternoon could make for some “very uncomfortable conditions”.

Warm or very warm, humid & dry for most today with plenty of sunshine and just the chance of an isolated shower🌦️

Cloudier at times though in the NW, W & SW, with just a few isolated spots of drizzle, mist & with some coastal fog possible there.

Highs generally of 22-29°C🌡️ pic.twitter.com/J68y9UrCbh

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) June 23, 2026

The warm spell forms part of a broader European heatwave, with temperatures topping 40 degrees in parts of southern Europe.

France has closed more than 1,850 schools as temperatures soared, while authorities reported a series of drowning deaths as people sought relief in rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

In Germany, officials reported five fatal swimming accidents over the weekend, while parts of England have been placed under the highest level of heat warning amid forecasts that June temperature records could be broken.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, longer-lasting and more intense as a result of climate change.

The forecaster said it will have “more confidence” in its maximum temperature predictions over when its model “comes into range for Thursday” but that at present it is forecasting maximums of up to 31 degrees.

The hottest weather is expected to be “across the midlands and west”. 

Potential maximum temperatures on Thursday. Met.ie Met.ie

Met Éireann said the hot weather will increase the risk of heat stress and urged people to follow health advice on staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun and checking on vulnerable people.

Animal charities are also asking people to be mindful of pets this week and considering walking dogs in shaded, cooler areas or at later parts of the day. 

The forecaster also warned that the heat could trigger thunderstorms later in the week, particularly in the northwest on Thursday, with the possibility of heavy downpours, lightning and localised flooding.

The hot spell is expected to break from Friday into the weekend as cooler Atlantic air moves in.

Temperatures are forecast to return closer to seasonal norms by Sunday, ranging between 15 and 21 degrees.

Unsure of what exactly is happening with the earth’s climate? Check out our FactCheck Knowledge Bank for essential reads and guides to finding good information online.