30C expected as heat warning issued for most of country

Temperatures could reach up to 30C in parts of Ireland, as a new Status Yellow high temperature warning will come into effect for most of the country later.

The warning for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Donegal, Munster and all of Connacht will come into effect at 12pm and will last until 6am on Friday.

Met Éireann said 30C is likely in counties under the high temperature warning.

Yesterday, the mercury hit 29.3C at Shannon Airport. It was cooler in Dublin, with temperatures reaching 21.3C at Dublin Airport.

The forecaster said while today will be mostly dry, sunny and very warm, there could be a few isolated light showers in the southwest, most likely in the late morning.

It also added there is a "chance of an odd shower during the afternoon and evening too" and that the highest temperatures will be between 23 and 30C.

Met Éireann said tonight will be dry and mild with long clear spells and lowest temperatures will be between 13C and 17C.

Hosepipe ban to come into effect from midnight

A six-week hosepipe ban for six areas around the country will come into effect at 12am.

The water conservation order is for Dublin, south Tipperary, parts of Kildare, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow, and it will remain in place until 26 August.

Uisce Éireann urged people to reduce their non-essential water use to protect supplies for homes, hospitals, vulnerable customers and essential services.

Under the order, activities such as watering gardens with a hose, washing vehicles and filling paddling pools are banned in order to conserve water.

Uisce Éireann said that the ban could end earlier if conditions improve, or be extended if necessary depending on weather conditions.

It also said further bans are being actively considered for other areas of the country.

Night-time restrictions are also in place on 39 water supplies.

These mainly affect parts of Donegal, Cavan, Longford, Meath, Galway, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford.

Uisce Éireann said the recent warm weather has led to a significant increase in water use across the affected areas.