Seaside dipping with temperatures tipping 25C this weekend
GLORIOUSLY warm and sunny weather is forecast for Donegal all the way through to next week.
With temperatures tipping 25C, according to Met Eireann, beautiful beaches across the county look set to be sun-drenched and loved by hundreds of families during the school summer holidays.
But amid the perfect ice cream conditions, there have also been several warnings as daytrippers make a splash and soak up the sun.
Advisories have been issued for drivers to assist 999 crews in the case of emergencies at our Blue Flag leisure spots.
Advice for safety in the water, vigilance against fire hazards, skin health protection, and pet welfare and vulnerable elderly has also been issued.
Uisce Eireann has issued a garden hosepipe ban in Donegal and urged households to take measures like showers instead of baths and turn off the tap when brushing teeth.
The county is one of 13 areas nationwide with night-time water supply restrictions.
National utility Uisce Eireann also warned people not to swim in reservoirs as they are “far more dangerous than they appear.”
A new boardwalk was opened at Lisfannon Beach in time for the beautiful weather with Martin Dalton, Phil Ryan, and Fahan Nazareth House Sister Superior Margaret Gibbons enjoying the perfect ice cream weather.
It is going to feel hot – and up to 15C warmer in direct sunlight – but hopes for a Donegal heatwave have been dashed with the latest forecast for temperatures that fail to reach the benchmark.
It is set to be as warm as 25C in the county this Sunday, but Met Eireann defines a heatwave as five consecutive days of at least 25C.
However, today (Thursday) is tipped to reach 21C, while tomorrow is to be 19C, and Saturday just 17C, before Sunday soars to 25C, Monday hits 22C, and Tuesday is forecast to again reach 25C.
Met Eireann warns that its 25C forecast is for the temperature in the shade – and advises that in direct sunlight the real-feel could be as much 40C.
Expectations for a warm weather blast were sparked this week when Met Eireann issued an official July Hot Spell alert.
Donegal County Council said: “Met Eireann has issued a Weather Advisory Alert for Donegal. Valid from [yesterday] until [today] at 2pm.”
But beaches still look to be packed following Met Eireann’s forecast.
A Met Eireann spokesperson said: “Ireland will see temperatures climbing through the week with expected values in the high 20s and possibly reaching 30 degrees in some places this weekend.
“It will also be warm and humid at night with temperatures likely to remain above 15 degrees.
“A ridge of high pressure is currently situated over Ireland, extending from an anticyclone over the Azores, which is bringing dry, settled and sunny conditions to much of the country.
“However, conditions will stay cloudier in the north and west at first due to a slow-moving frontal zone lingering over the northwest.
“From Friday, high pressure is expected to shift to the north of Ireland, with support from the upper air pattern. This will allow temperatures to increase, and the sunshine to become more widespread.”
He added: “The very warm or hot weather may produce some uncomfortable conditions, particularly at night.
“With widespread sunshine, UV levels will be high or very high, so please follow the guidance from the HSE’s Sun Smart campaign.”
The public is advised to avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of fluids, apply factor 30+ or 50+ sunscreen, and stay in the shade.
Factor 30+ or 50+ sunscreen protection is advised.
Met Eireann’s forecasted temperatures, such as 25C for Sunday, are for “in the shade”.
The national weather service explained that temperature readings are taken in the shade for consistency and to avoid disruption from clouds affecting conditions.
It added that temperatures can fell 10C to 15C hotter in direct sunlight.
Meanwhile, coastal communities have appealed to motorists to assist ambulances in the case of emergencies at beaches.
Signs in Downings state: “Please help save a life at sea. Do not park on or obstruct yellow boxes.”
The area’s Mulroy Coast Guard reminded motorists that it is illegal to park in piers’ yellow boxes and can have fatal consequences during sea rescues when every second counts.
Similarly, Bundoran RNLI regularly urges drivers to park responsibly on piers as part of a ‘Don’t Block the Box’ campaign.
In Greencastle, Inishowen Municipal District cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Farren has warned that double yellow lines exist for health and safety and beach access for emergency services.
The emergency services advise the public to call 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard if someone is in difficulty in or near water.