Met Éireann has warned the current heatwave is set to continue for another day, with temperatures expected to soar as high as 31C.
That is before conditions turn cooler and more unsettled for the Bank Holiday weekend.
The forecaster said today will be “very warm or hot”, with highest temperatures of 22C to 31C, hottest across the Midwest and West, while eastern coastal areas will stay slightly cooler due to a moderate easterly breeze. While much of the country will remain dry and sunny through the morning, scattered thunderstorms are expected to move northwards during the afternoon and evening, bringing the risk of lightning and hail in some areas.
Eight counties remain under a Status Yellow heat warning until 6pm, including Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Kilkenny, Laois and Offaly, where temperatures above 27C and unusually warm nights above 15C are possible.
Very warm or hot today🥵.
Generally dry & sunny until later in the afternoon☀️ with scattered thunderstorms moving up from the S⛈️.
Highs🌡️ of 22 to 31°C, hottest in the midwest & W, though a little lower for some E & NE coasts due to a mostly moderate easterly breeze🍃. pic.twitter.com/41ySNPSUuj
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) May 27, 2026
The warning comes after Ireland’s May temperature record was broken three times in just two days.
Shannon Airport in Co Clare recorded 30.6C yesterday, surpassing the previous record of 29.7C set earlier this week at Oak Park near Carlow town. Before that, 28.6C was recorded at Shannon on Monday, overtaking the longstanding May record of 28.4C set at Ardfert, Co Kerry in 1997.
Forecasters said the exceptional temperatures are being caused by a so-called “heat dome” — a mass of hot air from northern Africa trapped under a high-pressure system over western Europe.
Despite the soaring temperatures, the RNLI has warned people not to underestimate the dangers of entering the sea or inland waterways. The charity said water temperatures around Ireland remain “very, very cold”, even during the heatwave, significantly increasing the risk of cold-water shock.
Cold-water shock happens when the body suddenly enters cold water, causing an involuntary gasp reflex and rapid breathing which can quickly lead to panic, exhaustion and drowning. Even strong swimmers can be affected within seconds. The RNLI warned that jumping into cold water after spending time in extreme heat can place additional strain on the body, increasing the danger.
The charity is urging people to enter the water slowly, avoid swimming alone and wear flotation devices where possible. It also advised anyone in difficulty in the water to try to float on their back and control their breathing until the shock passes.
📢 A new record high temperature for May has been provisionally recorded as 30.5°C in Shannon Airport, Co. Clare today! 🚨
🌡️ As with all provisional figures, this value will be quality controlled & extensively verified to confirm the record. ✅️ #NewRecord #SunSmart pic.twitter.com/OWLUJ8MsxQ
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) May 26, 2026
Met Éireann also warned the heat could lead to difficult sleeping conditions, heat stress and water safety concerns due to increased numbers of people visiting beaches, lakes and rivers. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture has issued an orange-level forest fire advisory amid concerns about dry conditions.
Tonight will stay mild, with temperatures only falling to between 11C and 16C. Low cloud, mist, drizzle and patches of fog are expected to develop across southern areas by morning.
Thursday will remain very warm in parts of the country, particularly across the north and east where sunny spells are expected. However, western and southern counties will become cooler and duller with patchy drizzle and mist. Temperatures tomorrow are forecast to range from 17C to 25C.
Looking ahead to the Bank Holiday weekend, conditions are expected to become noticeably cooler and more unsettled. Friday is forecast to stay largely dry with sunshine and highs of 17C to 23C, especially across Leinster.
Rain is then expected to spread across the country on Saturday, turning heavy at times with the possibility of isolated thunderstorms. Temperatures will range from 15C in the west to around 22C in eastern counties.
Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday are expected to bring a mix of sunshine and scattered showers, with temperatures generally ranging between 15C and 21C as the current heatwave finally begins to ease.
Readers are strongly advised to follow Met Éireann’s ongoing updates.
