Weekend Heatwave: Met Éireann Issues Yellow High Temperature Warning for Ireland

• Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow High Temperature warning for Ireland this weekend, with temperatures expected to soar above 27°C during the day and remain above 15°C through Saturday night.

The warning comes into effect at midday on Saturday, 12th July, and will remain valid until 6am on Sunday, 13th July. The national weather service issued the alert this morning at 10:52am, giving the public advance notice of the warm conditions ahead.

According to Met Éireann's criteria, Status Yellow warnings indicate weather that "does not pose a threat to the general population but is potentially dangerous on a localised scale." The warning advises people to be aware of meteorological conditions and check if they are exposed to danger by the nature of their activity or specific location.

The combination of daytime maximums exceeding 27°C and overnight minimums staying above 15°C means little respite from the heat, particularly for vulnerable groups such as elderly residents, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.

While Saturday's temperatures will provide welcome relief for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts, residents should take sensible precautions. These include staying hydrated, seeking shade during peak afternoon hours, and checking on elderly neighbours or relatives who may be more susceptible to heat-related health issues.

The timing coincides with the weekend, when many people will be spending extended periods outdoors. Those planning outdoor activities, sports events, or gardening should consider the timing of their activities and take regular breaks in cooler areas.

Met Éireann's warning system uses internationally recognised colour coding, with Yellow representing the lowest level of alert before Orange (infrequent and dangerous) and Red (rare and extremely dangerous).

The national meteorological service typically issues warnings when weather conditions meeting specific thresholds are anticipated within a 60-hour period, allowing the public adequate time to prepare and adjust plans accordingly.

Saturday promises to be Ireland's warmest day in weeks, with Cork residents finally getting summer weather worth talking about.