National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management statement on the predicted high temperatures for 10th to 17th July

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) is coordinating with key stakeholders in preparation for a prolonged period of very warm weather. 

Minister James Browne emphasised:

“This prolonged period of very warm weather will place additional pressure on people, services and local water supplies. I am asking the public to look out for those who may need assistance and use water responsibly, follow the advice of the HSE, Met Éireann and the emergency services. Small precautions taken now can significantly reduce the risks.”

Forecast Conditions

Ireland will see the current high temperatures becoming more widespread over the weekend and continuing into next week, with expected values in the high 20s and possibly reaching 30 degrees in some places. It will also be warm and increasingly humid at night with temperatures likely to remain above 15 degrees. It will be cooler and cloudier in the Northwest today, with sunnier conditions gradually developing over the weekend.

An easterly airflow will prevail on Sunday and the early days of next week bringing widespread sunshine. There is a chance of some heavy showers near the south coast on Monday.

• Daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 25°C in the south, east and midlands, with values possibly reaching 30°C locally.
• Highest temperatures transfer to south, west and midlands from Sunday onwards once easterly airflow is established.
• Night-time conditions are expected to remain very mild and humid, with temperatures generally staying above 15°C.

A status yellow weather warning for high temperatures has been issued by Met Éireann for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford from 13:00 Friday 10/07/2026 to 07.00 Sunday 12/07/2026. A weather advisory will remain in place until Friday 17/07/2026.

The public should continue to check the Met Éireann website www.met.ie and app for the latest forecasts and weather warnings.

Public Health is a significant consideration during high-temperature events, and the public is advised to 

• Check on older relatives, neighbours, young children and anyone who may be particularly vulnerable to heat.
• Stay in the shade
• Avoid going out or partaking in strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day
• Drink plenty of fluids 
• Apply UVA and UVB sunscreen to skin that is not covered, factor 30+ for adults and 50+ for children
• Heat stress may pose an issue. Useful guidance from the HSE can be found here: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/

The Health Services Executive (HSE) have specific and comprehensive advice on staying safe in hot weather, and this can be accessed at the following address.

https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/procedures-guidelines/staying-safe-in-hot-weather/

Water Safety

The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, Waterways Ireland and the RNLI are urging the public to stay safe and remember that water safety is not just about swimming or water sports. It is relevant to everyday activities such as coastal walks, cycling beside canals, angling, or visiting parks and beaches with family. Drowning data shows that most accidental drownings (65%) follow land-based activities such as walking, angling, cycling, or simply spending time near the water. Now is the time for families and communities to have important conversations about staying safe near water. Awareness is a Lifesaver. 

For more water safety information, contact www.watersafety.ie. 

If you’re planning an activity in or on the water, remember: 

• Swim at a lifeguarded waterway if possible.
• Swim within your depth, stay within your depth. 
• Avoid entering the water in locks, marinas and harbours where hidden hazards may be present.
• Supervise Children: Never leave them unattended near water. 
• Avoid alcohol before swimming, operating watercraft or being near water, as it impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
• Be aware that cold water temperatures can also cause cold water shock, increasing the risk of drowning.
• Pay attention to all water safety signs and warnings and carry a means of calling for help.
• Check tides and updated weather warnings.
• Always wear a correctly fitting serviced lifejacket or buoyancy aid when boating or participating in water sports.
• Let others know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Road Safety

With clear sunny conditions and high temperatures forecast over the next number of days, the RSA is advising drivers to:

• Reduce the risk from sun glare by wearing sunglasses. Be aware of the dangers of sun glare when travelling east in the mornings and west later in the day.
• Be prepared and ensure you have adequate supplies of water. Any delays to journeys could result in road users being stuck in traffic for a period time in hot conditions. Children and pets are particularly at risk during these hot spells of weather.
• Ensure your windscreen is clear of grease or grime inside and out. Make sure you have plenty of window washer fluid to clear flies/insects and excess dust from the road when driving.
• Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists. Slow down and allow extra space when passing.

Advice to pedestrians, people who cycle, e-scooter users and motorcyclists

• Beware of the dangers that sun glare can cause, especially when crossing the road and at junctions.
• Follow current health messaging around the use of sun block when out walking and cycling.

Summertime is the most dangerous time of the year on our roads. In the summer, when there are no obvious dangers, and the weather is fine and days are brighter, we drop our guard.

There can be a spike in pedestrian, people who cycle and motorcyclist casualties over the summer months as the fine weather brings more people on to the roads. Drivers need to be on the lookout for them. Slow down and expect the unexpected.

Further advice is available from the Road Safety Authority at: 

https://www.rsa.ie/news-events/news/details/2026/07/09/road-safety-alert---high-temperature-advisory-and-yellow-weather-warnings-for-ireland

Fire Safety

An orange Fire Danger Notice has been issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The High Temperatures will likely bring an increase in outdoor activities, and the public is reminded that everybody has a part to play in protecting our unique rural landscapes, communities, habitats and forest resources from the threats posed by wildfire. If you are out and about enjoying our countryside and forests this summer, please help to reduce the risks of fire by keeping the following in mind:

• Do not light fires in or near woodland. Use only designated barbecue points where available. Thoroughly soak BBQ embers after use and make sure that they are extinguished completely.
• Do not block forest entrances or roads when parking - access may be required by the fire service or forestry personnel in the event of an emergency.
• If you see a fire, report it immediately to the emergency services - Dial 999 or 112. 
• Report any illegal and suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána. Note that the burning of growing vegetation on uncultivated land between 1 March and 31 August each year is prohibited by law.
• Do not approach fires or attempt to extinguish fires yourself. Wildfires can be extremely dangerous and can rapidly change direction and behaviour. 

Further advice is available from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/fire-management/

Water Supply

Water supply continues to face challenges from rising demand and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. Even where supplies are stable, a period of dry or warm weather can quickly place pressure on some areas. The public is reminded that every individual water-saving action counts and using only what you need really helps to make a positive contribution that can benefit everyone and avoid water restrictions.

Customers can contact Uisce Éireann’s 24/7 helpdesk at 1800 278 278 or visit https://www.water.ie/

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) will continue to liaise with all the relevant stakeholders to monitor the weather conditions during this weather event.