Ireland is set to experience another spell of intense summer heat after Met Éireann issued a new Status Yellow high temperature warning for 10 counties, while Uisce Éireann appealed to households and businesses to reduce water consumption as demand continues to outpace supply.
The latest weather warning will come into effect at 1 p.m. on Sunday and remain in place until 7 a.m. on Monday. It covers Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Mayo, Kilkenny, Laois and Offaly.
According to Met Éireann, daytime temperatures in the affected areas could exceed 27 degrees Celsius, while overnight temperatures are expected to remain unusually warm at around 15 degrees, creating uncomfortable sleeping conditions for many residents.
The new alert follows an existing Status Yellow warning that remains in force until 7 a.m. on Sunday across 13 counties. That warning covers Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford, where temperatures are forecast to climb as high as 30 degrees in some locations.
The national forecaster has also issued a broader weather advisory, warning that the prolonged period of hot weather is expected to continue into next week. Officials said the extended heat could increase the risk of heat stress, particularly among vulnerable groups, while encouraging extra caution around lakes, rivers and beaches as more people seek relief from the high temperatures.
Met Éireann also warned that the dry conditions could raise the risk of forest and vegetation fires, urging the public to act responsibly when enjoying outdoor areas.
At the same time, Uisce Éireann said water supplies are coming under growing pressure as consumption rises sharply. The utility said water is currently being used faster than it can be treated and replenished in local reservoirs.
The conservation appeal applies to six regions with a combined population of almost 2.5 million people. These include the Greater Dublin area, the Cooley Peninsula, west Cork, parts of north Cork, south Leitrim and parts of Tipperary.
The utility said outdoor activities such as watering gardens, filling paddling pools and power hosing driveways are contributing to unusually high demand during the current hot spell.
Reservoir levels have been falling by as much as 30 million litres on days of peak usage, highlighting the strain on the water network. Uisce Éireann warned that if consumption does not fall, night-time water restrictions may be introduced in the Greater Dublin area to protect essential supplies.
The utility urged households and businesses to avoid unnecessary water use and adopt simple conservation measures to help maintain supplies while the hot weather continues. Officials said reducing demand now would help minimise the need for restrictions if dry conditions persist into the coming week.
