Cork to Bask in Warm, Sunny Spell with Highs of 28 Degrees: Time to Be SunSmart

Cork is set for a stretch of warm, sunny weather to start the week, with Met Éireann forecasting highs of up to 28 degrees by Tuesday and high UV levels across the county. With the first real burst of summer warmth here, it's worth a quick refresher on the HSE's SunSmart guidance before heading out to enjoy it.

Today, Monday 25 May 2026, will be warm and dry with long spells of sunshine. Met Éireann says any mist and fog patches will generally clear early on, although some sea fog is possible along western coasts through the day. Highest temperatures of 22 to 27 degrees are expected, in light variable breezes.

Tonight will be dry and mild with long clear spells and some mist and fog patches. Lowest temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees are forecast, in light northerly or variable breezes.

Tuesday is set to be another warm or very warm day with long spells of sunshine. Some mist and fog patches will linger early in the morning before clearing to bring highs of 23 to 28 degrees in light to moderate northeasterly or variable breezes.

The warm spell continues into Wednesday, with another sunny day and the possibility of an isolated shower or two. Highest temperatures of 20 to 27 degrees are expected, a little cooler along eastern coasts, in a moderate easterly breeze.

From Thursday, conditions will turn cloudier and a bit cooler, with patchy rain and drizzle further west and highs of 18 to 24 degrees. Friday will be largely dry with good sunshine before cloud builds from the south, with highs of 17 to 21 degrees. The long weekend is currently expected to turn more unsettled, with rain and showers and daytime temperatures falling back to the mid to high teens.

Crucially for skin health, Met Éireann has rated today's Solar UV Index as high. The pollen forecast is moderate, which is worth noting for hay fever sufferers planning time outdoors.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with more than 11,000 cases diagnosed every year, yet almost all cases are preventable. The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme and Healthy Ireland encourage everyone to follow the SunSmart 5 S's whenever UV levels are elevated, including on bright but cloudy days.

Slip on clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves or collared T-shirts. Slop on sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 for adults and 50 for children, with high UVA protection and water resistance, and reapply regularly. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat. Seek shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are at their strongest, and keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight. Slide on sunglasses with UV protection.

It is also important not to deliberately try to get a suntan, to avoid getting sunburn, and never to use a sunbed. More information is available at hse.ie/sunsmart.