A STATUS YELLOW High temperature warning has been issued for half the country, as a heatwave is forecast for the weekend.

The counties affected from tomorrow are Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon, Tipperary.

The warning will be in place from midday on Friday until 6am on Saturday.

Additionally, Met Éireann has issued a high temperature warning for the whole country from midday Saturday until 6am on Sunday. 

Conditions are expected to turn more unsettled and cooler from later on Sunday.

Friday night will be warm and clear, though some patches of mist and fog are possible according to the forecaster.

Saturday will have plenty of sunshine, with highest temperatures ranging between of 24 to 29 degrees in a light to moderate southeast breeze.

It’s Saturday night that may hold most difficulty for those looking to catch some rest according to Met Éireann: “An uncomfortable night for sleeping with temperatures not falling below 14 to 17 or 18 degrees in a light southeast breeze.”

There is also a warning for the unfortunate pollen sufferers, as Met Éireann said it there will be “particularly high levels” expected during this warm period.

The bright weather will continue Sunday with a dry start to the day, but cloud will thicken from the southwest through the day with outbreaks of rain gradually developing in Munster, Connacht and west Ulster.

Nonetheless, it will still be a very warm or hot day for most with highest temperatures of 23 to 28 degrees.

Water supplies are in drought status in several counties after a drier-than-normal autumn, winter and spring, according to Uisce Éireann.

It has appealed for people to conserve water, saying that its network is experiencing increased pressure on supply in several regions.

The counties most affected include Dublin, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Cork, Galway, Donegal, Meath, Westmeath, Clare, and Wexford.

HSE tips 

The HSE has issued advice to the public on how to stay cool ahead of Saturday’s warning.

Dr Ina Kelly of the HSE said that high temperatures can cause health issues, including dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

“Unfortunately, we can also see increased risk of death, especially in older people, young children, and vulnerable groups,” she warned. 

Kelly recommended members of the public keep themselves and their environments cool throughout the day by keeping air flow circulating through buildings wherever possible, staying out of the sun, especially during peak temperature hours in the afternoon, and keeping hydrated.

The HSE has advised people to keep their homes cool by closing blinds, curtains and windows during the day and opening them at night. 

It also reminded people to stay hydrated and to make sure children do likewise.

“This is especially important if your child is under 5 or is sick,” the HSE said. 

Further guidance on fluid intake for babies and children is available on the HSE website.

The health agency also reminded carers to ensure the people they look after are getting enough fluids.

Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes, the HSE said.

However, if it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency. 

Anyone can get heatstroke or heat exhaustion, the HSE said.

“But keep an eye on children, older people and people with long-term health conditions like heart problems or diabetes. They’re more at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.” 

If someone has heat exhaustion:

• move them to a cool place
• remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks
• get them to drink plenty of water or a sports or rehydration drink
• cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them.  Cold packs around the armpits or neck are good too
• stay with them until they’re better.

They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.

With reporting from David Mac Redmond