LAST UPDATE | 12 Jul

A STATUS YELLOW high temperature warning has been issued for 10 counties.

The warning is valid from 1pm today until 7am on Monday.

Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Mayo, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly are all under the warning, which warns of temperatures in excess of 27 degrees, and overnight temperature minimums over 15 degrees.

On Tuesday, another high temperature warning for Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, and Mayo will kick in. This is valid from 1pm on Monday until 7am on Wednesday.

Met Éireann cautioned that as a result of the heat, there are potential water safety issues due to the increased use of lakes and beaches. 

A 15-year-old boy died on Saturday evening after getting into difficulty in Lough Ree in Co Westmeath.

The forecaster also warned of heat stress, uncomfortable sleeping conditions, the possibility of forest fires and drought.

“A prolonged spell of very warm or hot weather will continue this weekend lasting into next week,” Met Éireann said. 

“Daytime maxima will widely exceed 25 degrees with values reaching the high 20s, and possibly 30 degrees, in places. The UV Index is expected to be high to very high.”

It warned of hot and humid nights, with the chance of thunderstorms developing on Wednesday and Thursday.