Status Yellow High Temperature Warning
Met Éireann has issued a status yellow high temperature warning for County Cavan, effective from midday on Wednesday, 15th until 6am on Friday 17th July, with temperatures set to rise as high as 29 degrees Celsius and night time temperatures to reach 15 degrees.
A Weather Advisory for Ireland will also be in place throughout this week as the prolonged spell of very warm or hot weather continues.
Potential impacts
- Water safety issues due to increased use of lakes, beaches and waterways
- Uncomfortable sleeping conditions
- Heat stress
- Forest fires
- Drought
Advice to the public
The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) is advising members of the public to:
- Stay in the shade
- Avoid going out or partaking in strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Apply UVA and UVB sunscreen to skin that is not covered, factor 30+ for adults and 50+ for children
- Do not leave people or animals in vehicles.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) also has specific and comprehensive advice on staying safe in hot weather, and this can be accessed at https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/procedures-guidelines/staying-safe-in-hot-weather/
Water Safety
The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, Waterways Ireland and the RNLI are urging the public to stay safe and remember that water safety is not just about swimming or water sports. It is relevant to everyday activities such as coastal walks, cycling beside canals, angling, or visiting parks and beaches with family. Drowning data shows that most accidental drownings (65%) follow land-based activities such as walking, angling, cycling, or simply spending time near the water. Now is the time for families and communities to have important conversations about staying safe near water. Awareness is a Lifesaver.
If you’re planning an activity in or on the water, remember:
- Swim within your depth, stay within your depth.
- Avoid entering the water in locks, marinas and harbours where hidden hazards may be present. Utilise local knowledge regarding safest swimming areas.
- Supervise Children: Never leave them unattended near water.
- Avoid Alcohol before swimming, operating watercraft or being near water, as it impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
- Be aware that cold water temperatures can also cause cold water shock, increasing the risk of drowning.
- Pay attention to all water safety signs and warnings and carry a means of calling for help.
- Check tides and updated weather warnings.
- Always wear a correctly fitting serviced lifejacket or buoyancy aid when boating or participating in water sports.
- Let others know where you are going and when you expect to return.
For more water safety information, visit www.watersafety.ie.
Fire Safety
High Temperatures bring an increase in outdoor activities, and the public is reminded that everybody has a part to play in protecting our unique rural landscapes, communities, habitats and forest resources from the threats posed by wildfire. The Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine has issued a level orange forest fire warning. If you are out and about enjoying our countryside and forests this summer, please help to reduce the risks of fire by keeping the following in mind:
- Do not light fires in or near woodland. Use only designated barbecue points where available. Thoroughly soak BBQ embers after use and make sure that they are extinguished completely.
- Do not block forest entrances or roads when parking - access may be required by the fire service or forestry personnel in the event of an emergency.
- If you see a fire, report it immediately to the emergency services - Dial 999 or 112.
- Report any illegal and suspicious activity to the Gardaí. Note that the burning of growing vegetation on uncultivated land between 1 March and 31 August each year is prohibited by law.
- Do not approach fires or attempt to extinguish fires yourself. Wildfires can be extremely dangerous and can rapidly change direction and behaviour.
Further advice is available from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/fire-management/
Water Supply
While reservoirs, rivers and groundwater sources recovered earlier this year, that does not guarantee water security for all areas in the months ahead. Water supply continues to face challenges from rising demand and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. Even where supplies are stable, a period of dry or warm weather can quickly place pressure on some areas. The public is reminded that every individual water-saving action counts, and using only what you need really helps to make a positive contribution that can benefit everyone and avoid water restrictions.
Customers can contact Uisce Éireann’s 24/7 helpdesk at 1800 278 278 or visit https://www.water.ie/
The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) will continue to liaise with all the relevant stakeholders to monitor the weather conditions during this weather event.