Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow are set for another day of soaring temperatures as Ireland’s record-breaking heatwave continues, with forecasters warning that thunderstorms could hit parts of the east later today.
Met Éireann said conditions across the capital and surrounding Leinster counties will stay “very warm” on Wednesday, with highs of between 21C and 24C, although coastal areas will remain slightly cooler due to an easterly breeze.
Very warm or hot today🥵.
Generally dry & sunny until later in the afternoon☀️ with scattered thunderstorms moving up from the S⛈️.
Highs🌡️ of 22 to 31°C, hottest in the midwest & W, though a little lower for some E & NE coasts due to a mostly moderate easterly breeze🍃. pic.twitter.com/41ySNPSUuj
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) May 27, 2026
The forecaster said Dublin will stay generally dry and sunny through most of the day before the risk of scattered thunderstorms develops later this afternoon and evening. If thunderstorms do occur, Met Éireann warned they could become severe, bringing lightning and hail.
The latest forecast comes as Ireland’s May temperature record was smashed three times in just two days during the current heatwave.
Shannon Airport in Co Clare recorded 30.6C yesterday, breaking the new May record that had only been set hours earlier at Oak Park near Carlow town, where temperatures hit 29.7C. On Monday, Shannon also recorded 28.6C, overtaking the previous May record of 28.4C set at Ardfert, Co Kerry in 1997.
📢 A new record high temperature for May has been provisionally recorded as 30.5°C in Shannon Airport, Co. Clare today! 🚨
🌡️ As with all provisional figures, this value will be quality controlled & extensively verified to confirm the record. ✅️ #NewRecord #SunSmart pic.twitter.com/OWLUJ8MsxQ
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) May 26, 2026
While the hottest conditions remain focused across western counties under a Status Yellow heat warning, eastern counties including Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow are continuing to experience unusually warm temperatures more commonly associated with mid-summer.
Forecasters said a so-called “heat dome” stretching across western Europe is behind the extraordinary weather, with hot air from northern Africa becoming trapped beneath a high-pressure system.
Tonight is expected to remain exceptionally mild across Leinster, with temperatures in Dublin not falling below 12C to 15C overnight. There is also the possibility of further isolated thunderstorms early tonight before conditions become largely dry with clear spells developing.
The warm spell is expected to continue into Thursday, with Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow forecast to see further sunny spells during the morning before cloud gradually builds from the southwest later in the day. Patchy drizzle and mist are expected in some areas, although plenty of dry weather is still anticipated.
Temperatures tomorrow are expected to reach between 21C and 24C across much of Leinster, with moderate southeasterly winds gradually turning southwesterly.
Despite the soaring temperatures, the RNLI has urged people across the east coast to take extra care around beaches, rivers and lakes during the hot weather.
Thousands have been gathering on County Dublin's most popular beaches and sea swim spots - Forty Foot, Seapoint, Vico Baths, Portmarnock Beach...
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The charity warned that while air temperatures feel tropical, Irish waters remain “very, very cold”, increasing the risk of cold-water shock.
Cold-water shock occurs when someone suddenly enters cold water, causing an involuntary gasp reflex, rapid breathing and panic. Even experienced swimmers can quickly become overwhelmed, particularly after spending time in intense heat beforehand.
The RNLI is advising people to enter the water slowly, avoid swimming alone and wear flotation devices where possible. Anyone who gets into difficulty in the water is urged to float on their back and focus on controlling their breathing until the initial shock passes.
#UV Index for Wednesday 27th May:
▶️High under clear skies
▶️Mostly high under cloudy skiesRemember to be #SunSmart and protect your skin and eyes from the sun, even on cloudy days 😎
ℹ️ https://t.co/f7ZgRWWlY5 pic.twitter.com/CrguX7TIA4
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) May 26, 2026
A high UV index has also been forecast for Wednesday across Dublin and the east, while pollen levels are expected to remain moderate through both Wednesday and Thursday.
Looking ahead to the Bank Holiday weekend, Friday is expected to stay largely dry and warm across Leinster, with temperatures potentially reaching 22C or 23C.
However, conditions are then forecast to turn more unsettled from Saturday onwards, with heavy rain and possible thunderstorms expected to spread eastwards across the country. Temperatures are expected to gradually ease back to the high teens and low twenties through Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday before falling further into the middle of next week.
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Readers are strongly advised to follow Met Éireann’s ongoing updates.
