AFTER SEVERAL DAYS of near-record-breaking heat, Ireland is set for a much cooler and wetter day today as Atlantic weather begins to replace this week’s scorching conditions.

Cloud will build through the morning, with patchy rain spreading northeast across the country before becoming heavier and more persistent during the afternoon and evening, according to Met Éireann.

Temperatures will reach highs of between 17 and 22 degrees, with the warmest conditions in the midlands, east and northeast. Atlantic coastal counties will be a little cooler, with moderate to fresh southwesterly winds easing later in the day.

Cloudier than previous days with patchy outbreaks of rain in the southwest spreading northeastwards across the country, turning heavier and more persistent at times later on 🌧️

Cooler too, with highs of 17 to 22°C🌡️ generally, with moderate to fresh winds easing through the day. pic.twitter.com/8pKz9d0tTj

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) June 27, 2026

The change comes after Ireland experienced some of its hottest weather on record, with temperatures climbing above 30 degrees in parts of the country on Thursday and Friday as a plume of hot air swept north from continental Europe.

A high temperature warning for the entire country expires at 9am this morning.

While conditions here are easing, much of Europe continues to endure an intense heatwave.

The UK recorded a provisional June temperature of 36.9 degrees in Suffolk on Friday, setting a new monthly record for the third consecutive day. More than 500 schools were fully or partially closed because of the heat.

In France, health authorities reported a fourfold increase in emergency department visits linked to the heat, alongside a rise in cardiac arrests.

Paris also postponed its Pride parade as temperatures continued to soar, while countries including Hungary and the Czech Republic remain on red alert with temperatures of up to 40 degrees forecast this weekend.

Recurring heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of global warming.

Back in Ireland, Friday’s thunderstorms also left their mark, with thousands of homes losing power on Friday evening following lightning strikes.

The National Severe Weather and Flooding Coordination Group has reminded the public that further thunderstorms remain possible and urged people to move indoors if they hear thunder, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours and never attempt to walk, cycle or drive through floodwater.

The group also reiterated heat health advice, urging people to avoid strenuous activity during the warmest part of the day, wear sunscreen and check in on elderly neighbours and relatives, who can be particularly vulnerable during periods of high temperatures.

Tonight will see the rain clear eastwards, with clear spells and scattered showers developing from the west. Temperatures will fall to between 8 and 14 degrees.

Sunday will be cooler again, bringing sunny spells and scattered showers, mainly in western and northern counties, with highs of 15 to 20 degrees.

Looking ahead, Met Éireann says the country will return to more expected conditions next week, with changeable conditions and temperatures generally in the mid to high teens.

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