COUNTY Clare is at the forefront of a major weather shift this week, as Met Éireann places it among eight counties issued with a Status Yellow high temperature warning.
Forecasters indicate that the mercury could climb as high as 30°C in some regions during this unusually intense warm spell.
The weather warning officially takes effect at 12pm on Tuesday and will remain active until 6pm on Wednesday. Alongside Clare, the caution covers Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Kilkenny, Laois, and Offaly.
With daytime peaks projected to surpass 27°C and night-time temperatures hovering above 15°C, Met Éireann has highlighted several potential safety risks including water safety, a heightened risk of forest fires, and elevated risk of heat stress and heavily disrupted, uncomfortable sleeping conditions.
Tuesday will remain predominantly dry and bright with temperatures expected to stretch from 23°C to 30°C, with the highest values concentrated in Munster and south Leinster. Coastal regions in the east, north, and northwest will experience slightly milder conditions.
Tuesday night will be humid, particularly further south where temperatures will stay around 17°C, making sleep difficult for many.
The intense heat persists into Wednesday, with peak temperatures again ranging between 22°C and 30°C. The highest temperatures will shift toward the west and midwest, meaning Clare will be amongst the hottest counties.
The prolonged period of hot weather will begin to shift as the week draws to a close, and by Friday, maximum temperatures will fall to between 17°C and 21°C.
The bank holiday weekend is on track to bring widespread showers and rain, alongside a noticeable dip in temperatures back down to the mid-to-high teens.
