RSA Urges Road Safety Vigilance as National Heat Advisory Takes Effect

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road users to exercise caution as Met Éireann has issued a weather advisory alongside a Yellow High Temperature Warning for a number of counties, with maximum temperatures in those areas forecast in excess of 27 degrees.

Met Éireann's Yellow High Temperature Warning applies to Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford. It runs from 1pm on Friday to 7am on Sunday, with maximum temperatures in excess of 27 degrees combined with overnight minimum temperatures in excess of 15 degrees. Cork is not among the counties named in the Yellow Warning.

A separate Weather Advisory for Ireland, which does include Cork, remains in effect until Tuesday 14 July. Met Éireann states that prolonged spells of very warm or hot weather are occurring this week and will last into next week, with heatwave conditions expected.

Under the advisory, daytime maximum temperatures will widely exceed 25 degrees, climbing to the high 20s or even low 30s in places from Friday. The UV Index is expected to be high to very high, with warm and humid nights bringing minimum temperatures of 15 degrees or higher. Possible tropical nights may occur in places this weekend, and there is a chance of some thunderstorms later this week.

Met Éireann's advisory notes potential impacts including:

1. Water safety issues due to increased use of waterways, lakes and beaches
2. Uncomfortable sleeping conditions
3. Heat stress and dehydration, especially for the vulnerable and elderly
4. Potential disruption to public transport
5. Animal welfare issues
6. Potential drought concerns
7. Potential wildfires and forest fires

The advisory is valid from 00:00 on Wednesday 8 July 2026 to 00:00 on Tuesday 14 July 2026. It was issued at 3:17pm on Monday 6 July 2026 and updated at 3:48pm the same day.

The RSA is advising drivers to:

1. Reduce the risk from sun glare by wearing sunglasses, and be aware of the dangers of sun glare when travelling east in the mornings and west later in the day
2. Be prepared with adequate supplies of water, as delays could leave road users stuck in traffic in hot conditions; children and pets are particularly at risk during hot spells
3. Ensure windscreens are clear of grease or grime inside and out, with plenty of window washer fluid to clear flies, insects and dust
4. Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists, slowing down and allowing extra space when passing

The RSA is also advising pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter users and motorcyclists to be aware of the dangers sun glare can cause, especially when crossing the road and at junctions, and to follow current health messaging on the use of sun block when out walking and cycling.

The RSA notes that summer is statistically one of the most dangerous times of year on Irish roads, as drivers can drop their guard when conditions appear safe. The organisation says pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist casualties can spike over the summer months as fine weather brings more people onto the roads, and is urging drivers to slow down and expect the unexpected.

Further advice on driving in severe weather is available on the RSA website, or via the RSA's Facebook and Twitterpages. The RSA has also produced severe weather warning videos in collaboration with Teresa Mannion, including specific advice on driving in sun glare.

For further weather updates, visit Met Éireann, Water Safety Ireland, or the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.