This puts us very close to the all-time Irish record of 33.3C, recorded at Kilkenny Castle in 1887.
Ireland is unique in that its highest recorded temperature occurred in the 19th century, unlike many other countries where records have been broken in recent times.
Met Éireann previously confirmed to the Irish Examiner that it stands by the 1887 record.
They stated that Ireland’s highest shaded air temperature of 33.3C, recorded on Sunday, June 26, 1887, occurred during a brief period of extreme temperatures and unusual weather concentrated over the Midlands and the southwest of Ireland at the time.
The thermometer at Kilkenny Castle met acceptable standards and was certified as accurate, making the observation highly accurate and reliable, they added.
A status yellow high temperature warning is in effect for the entire country this weekend.
A warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tipperary is valid from midday on Friday until 6am on Saturday.
A nationwide high temperature warning is then in place from 12pm on Saturday until 6am on Sunday.
Met Éireann forecasts: “Maximum temperatures in excess of 27C combined with night-time minima in excess of 15C expected.”
Potential impacts include:
- Water safety issues due to increased use of lakes/beaches;
- Forest fires;
- Uncomfortable sleeping conditions;
- Heat stress.
In general, temperatures are forecast to peak at 29C on Friday, promising a “sunny, dry and very warm” day. Tonight will be very mild, with temperatures ranging from 14C to 17C.
Saturday will be another very warm day with clear skies and abundant sunshine. Met Éireann predicts temperatures of 26C to 29C or 30C, with the highest temperatures inland, away from coastal areas.
Saturday night will again be mild with temperatures falling to between 14C and 17C.
Sunday will begin “largely fine and dry with good sunny spells and mostly light winds”. However, cloud will build from the west, bringing outbreaks of rain across Atlantic coastal counties. It will again be warm with highest temperatures of 22C to 28C.
Sunday night will see rain move in from the southwest, with some heavy and blustery showers at times. It will be “quite mild” with temperatures holding between 14C and 17C.
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