Temperatures set to hit 30C by end of week

High temperatures are forecast for the coming week, with a peak of 30C expected on Thursday.

Met Éireann has said that today it will be hot and humid with highest temperatures of 27C and temperatures in the high 20s can be expected across the country for the start of the week.

The forecaster says that some very warm or even hot days are to come, warmest in the south and southeast counties on Tuesday with highs of 21-27C.

Wednesday will see highest temperatures ranging from the mid- to high-20s.

A hot and humid day with the chance of some heavier showers is forecast for Thursday with highs of 24-30C.

People are reminded to be sun-smart and stay safe if heading to the coast and waterways.

Last month Ireland experienced its hottest May on record when a high of 30.9C was recorded in Abbeyfeel, Co Limerick, and Clonmel, Co Tipperary on 25-26 May.

Meanwhile, in the UK the Met Office said the heat is expected to peak at about 35C on Tuesday and Wednesday, sparking weather warnings, health alerts and concerns for vulnerable people.

Forecasters have said there is "growing confidence" this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, which was set in 1976 in Southampton.

Elsewhere, mainland Europe is also sweltering under the heatwave, with temperatures forecast to hit 37C in Rome and 39C in Madrid tomorrow.

In France, highs of 40C are expected today, with tomorrow likely to be even hotter as emergency services and military forces have been put on wildfire alert.

Public alcohol consumption restrictions have also been put in place by French authorities and some outdoor sporting events cancelled.

Additional reporting: PA