DONEGAL is experiencing exceptionally warm weather today as a Met Éireann yellow high temperature warning remains in effect for the county.
Temperatures are expected to reach 30 degrees on Thursday, with overnight lows staying above 15 degrees, making for an uncomfortable night’s sleep across the county.
Donegal County Council, which circulated the alert, has warned of potential impacts including heat stress, the risk of forest and gorse fires, and water safety concerns arising from increased use of lakes and beaches.
A northeasterly breeze along the northwest coast is expected to keep temperatures slightly lower along Donegal’s north coast, where highs are forecast to reach the low 20s. However, thunderstorms are possible later on Thursday, with the risk becoming more widespread into Friday.
The public is urged to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the day, and exercise caution near open water.
Swimming safety officials have advised people to only swim where lifeguards are present, warning that lakes and reservoirs can be significantly colder than the sea and may hide underwater hazards. RTÉ
The yellow warning remains valid until 9am on Friday, June 26.