It's set to be the hottest day of the year so far - and potentially the hottest day ever in Ireland.
Temperatures of around 31 degrees are forecast today, but there's a chance record highs of 33.3 degrees registered at Kilkenny Castle back in 1887 could be exceeded.
Met Éireann has said today will see 'intense heat', humid conditions and another tropical night ahead, with temperatures not expected to drop below 15 degrees in most places overnight.
The forecaster is also warning of the possibility of forest fires and an increased water safety risk as more people head to beaches, rivers and lakes.
Good weather conditions at the Forty foot, Sandycove, Dublin. Pic Stephen Collins/Collins Photos 06/09/23Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather, said parts of the country is also in for some very severe thunderstorms.
"Temperatures getting over 30 degrees in many areas, possibly up to 33, or maybe just tipping over 33 degrees, which could break the all-time record with some very hot weather ahead.
"There is already some thunderstorms on the west coast with some showers, but the risk of thunderstorms increases a lot through tonight and into Friday".
The HSE is urging people to protect themselves from the sun and are advising people to follow the 5 'S' Sun Smart rules - Slip on clothing; Slop on sunscreen; Slap on a hat; Seek shade; and Slide on sunglasses.
Health officials are warning up to 90 per cent of UV rays can pass through cloud cover and warn that skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in Ireland.
Consultant dermatologist at St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Professor Aoife Lally, said people mistake having a tan as something healthy.
" It's very important that people seek shade, try not to get a tan from the sun, wear sunglasses, and of course, wear a hat and broad-spectrum sun protection factor on the areas that are exposed, and remember there's no such thing as a healthy tan".
