TEMPERATURES OF UP to 30C are expected again today after Met Éireann issued a fresh high temperature warning for much of the country, with forecasters saying there is still no immediate end in sight to the prolonged hot spell.

A current high temperature warning covers Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Donegal and all counties in Munster and Connacht.

It came into effect at midday on Wednesday and will remain in place until 6am on Friday.

Met Éireann said daytime temperatures will exceed 27C in many areas, while overnight temperatures will remain above 15C, leading to uncomfortable sleeping conditions.

The forecaster warned of heat stress, an increased risk of forest fires and drought, as well as water safety concerns due to increased use of lakes, beaches and waterways.

A new Status Yellow high temperature warning has already been issued for Friday covering Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford, where temperatures are again expected to exceed 27C.

Today’s weather is expected to be very warm and largely dry, with plenty of sunshine.

While there is a slight chance of isolated showers developing in the south and west, most areas will remain dry with temperatures reaching between 24 and 30C, with the warmest conditions in the midlands and west.

The warm weather is set to continue into Friday, although northern counties will become somewhat cooler.

Munster and Leinster are forecast to see highs of between 25C and 28C tomorrow, while Connacht and Ulster will range from 17 to 24C under cloudier skies.

While temperatures will ease slightly over the weekend, high pressure is expected to remain dominant.

Met Éireann said conditions will stay largely dry into next week, with Munster and Leinster continuing to see temperatures of between 20 and 25C. Connacht and Ulster will be somewhat cooler, with highs generally ranging from 16 to 21C.

The prolonged spell of hot weather has already placed significant pressure on water supplies.

A six-week hosepipe ban came into effect overnight across Dublin, south Tipperary and parts of Kildare, Meath, Wicklow and Wexford.

Uisce Éireann said the restrictions are necessary to protect drinking water supplies after demand surged during the recent spell of exceptionally warm weather.

The utility has warned that further water conservation orders are being considered for other parts of the country if dry conditions persist.

Residents in affected areas are prohibited from using hoses for activities including watering gardens, washing cars and filling paddling pools until at least 26 August, unless the restrictions are lifted earlier.

Met Éireann is also advising people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day and take extra care around open water, with the UV index expected to remain high to very high over the coming days.

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