Ireland's Summer of Heat Continues: Another Scorcher on the Cards for Thursday, July 9th

If you thought yesterday was warm, just wait. Ireland is currently experiencing a sustained period of hot weather, and Thursday, July 9th, is expected to be another very hot day. If you're making plans, whether it's for the beach, a park, or just trying to work without overheating, you'll want to pay attention to the forecast.

This heatwave has been ongoing for a while, and it doesn't seem to be ending soon. Met Éireann's latest forecast confirms what many are already feeling: it will be very warm to hot nationwide, with temperatures reaching levels more typical of the Mediterranean than Ireland.

What to Expect This Morning

Early risers might notice some cloud, mist, or fog patches. These conditions are expected to clear quickly for most areas.

As the morning progresses, brighter conditions will take over, bringing plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies. In the west and northwest, clouds might linger a bit longer, but sunny spells should extend across the region later in the day.

The Heat of the Day: Where Will It Be Hottest?

Today is set to be very warm, if not hot, for much of the country. If you're in the Midlands, the South, or the East, prepare for significant heat. Temperatures in these regions are forecast to be between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius. That's quite hot for Ireland.

Further west, temperatures will be slightly cooler, ranging from 18 to 23 degrees. This is still pleasant but perhaps more manageable for those who dislike extreme heat. Light westerly or variable breezes are expected, offering some relief, especially in the hotter areas. Remember to stay hydrated and find shade during the hottest parts of the day.

Tonight's Forecast: Another Mild and Humid Night

Tonight is expected to continue the recent trend of very mild and humid conditions. For many, this has led to restless nights, and tonight looks similar. Temperatures won't drop much, staying between 13 and 17 degrees. If you have a fan, now's the time to use it.

Again, the west and northwest will see cloudier skies, with mist and fog patches appearing. Elsewhere, it will be clear and dry. Light northerly or variable breezes will continue.

Looking Ahead: The Weekend and Beyond

This period of good weather isn't just a one-day event. It's expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Friday, July 10th

Friday is expected to be another very warm or hot day. There will be a slight cooling trend in the northern fringes, but for most, conditions will be similar to Thursday. Expect dry weather with hazy sunny spells. The west and northwest will be a bit cloudier, with a chance of isolated showers, which isn't unusual given the humidity. Sea fog might affect southern and eastern coasts at times. Highest temperatures will be between 21 and 29 degrees, with the south likely seeing the warmest conditions.

The Weekend Outlook

Met Éireann's national outlook confirms that this heatwave will persist. We're looking at an extended period of mostly dry and sunny days, with nights remaining uncomfortably warm and humid.

• Friday Night: Mostly clear and dry, with mist and fog patches in the northwest. Isolated showers could affect parts of the west and southwest. Mild again, with overnight lows of 14 to 17 degrees.
• Saturday: Very warm or hot, though still cooler in the northern fringes. Sunshine for most, but cloudier at times over the west and northwest. Highs between 18 and 29 degrees, cooler in the north, with moderate northeast winds.
• Saturday Night: Clear conditions for most, with cloudier skies and mist/fog in the northwest and north. Lows of 13 to 17 degrees, warmest in the south and southeast.
• Sunday: After a cloudy start in the west and north, sunshine will become widespread. An easterly breeze means the highest temperatures will likely be in the western half of the country, ranging from 22 to 29 degrees.
• Sunday Night: This is where it gets really uncomfortable for some. Tropical nights are expected, with temperatures not falling below 14 to 19 degrees overnight.
• Monday: Dry and sunny across the board, with hazy spells moving into southern counties by evening. Very warm or hot, with highs of 22 to 28 degrees, warmest along the south and west.

Further Out: The Heat Continues

The forecast for the rest of next week suggests high pressure will continue to dominate, bringing very warm or hot temperatures and widespread sunshine. The easterly breezes will push the highest temperatures further west, making the east slightly cooler. We're talking mid to high twenties across the country. And yes, those warm and humid nights aren't going anywhere, meaning uncomfortable sleeping conditions for many.

So, there you have it. Another day, another dose of Irish summer heat. Enjoy it, make the most of it, but please, do so responsibly. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and check on elderly neighbors or anyone who might be vulnerable to the heat. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official Met Éireann forecast. We'll keep you updated right here on itson.ie.