Authorities issue tips for staying cool following Met ireann temperature warning

Met Éireann, the HSE, the Department of Health and the Road Safety Authority have all issued separate warnings as temperatures are set to reach 30 degrees over coming days.

Met Éireann issued a status yellow weather warning for this week for “not unusual weather but conditions that may bring localised danger”.

It later upgraded the warning to status orange for Cavan, Monaghan, south Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath. It said these areas will see maximum temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in places and overnight temperatures dropping no lower than around 20 degrees.

The forecaster said high temperatures would continue this week with hot conditions by day and staying very warm and humid at night.

Following Met Éireann’s warning, the State’s chief medical officer Tony Holohan said people should get outdoors this week - to reduce exposure to Covid-19, but also to enjoy the weather.

However, he warned it was “ important to do so in as safe a way as possible”.

Dr Holohan said people should “regularly and liberally apply sunscreen that has a sun protection factor of at least 30 plus for adults and 50 plus for children, wear light and loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin, wear a hat and sunglasses. Keep yourself cool and hydrated.”

Status Orange - High Temperature warning for Cavan, Monaghan, south Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath

Maximum temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in places and overnight temperatures dropping no lower than around 20 degrees.https://t.co/Xg3aMJlyuS pic.twitter.com/LmeBi3A8cl

â€" Met Éireann (@MetEireann) July 20, 2021

Other risks to be mindful of during this spell of hot weather are heat exhaustion.

‘Increases in mortality’

The HSE said heatwaves can cause “ significant increases in mortality” especially in older people, young children and more vulnerable groups.

The advice for staying safe is to first of all keep cool and minimise unnecessary heating. people should keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm and if outdoors wear clothing that covers the skin and sunscreen.

The HSE said dampening skin may help keep cool and if using air conditioning, make sure it is using a fresh air supply, which is important to prevent spread of Covid-19.

Electric fans need to be used with caution, as they may not be safe for higher temperatures and should not be used where a person may be incubating or a case of Covid-19.

The HSE also advised people to stay hydrated and to check on those who may be particularly vulnerable, including babies and the elderly.

People should contact their GP or the hospital emergency department if they are unwell and especially if they are showing signs of serious dehydration that needs urgent care, the HSE said.

The Road Safety Authority warned drivers to be aware of “sun glare’” which can result in drivers being temporarily dazzled or blinded.

It advised drivers to wear sun glasses and be aware of the dangers of sun glare when travelling east in the mornings and west later in the day.

It said drivers should have adequate supplies of water as delays to journeys could result in being stuck in traffic in hot conditions. Children and pets are particularly at risk during these hot spells of weather, the authority said.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists were advised to beware of the dangers that sun glare can cause, especially when crossing the road and at junctions.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has also warned of high temperatures on roads surfaces which can melt bitumen and loosen chips on more minor roads. Road users are advised to slow down and exercise caution when braking in such situations.

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