Cork set to sizzle
By Marguerite Kiely
Cork's delightful summer sunshine is set to continue into the June Bank Holiday weekend and beyond.
The presence of an Azores high, currently positioned north of Ireland, will ensure the warm weather persists well into the following week.
Speaking to the Cork Independent, Meteorologist Deidre Lowe of Met Eireann said while warm weather is typical at this time of year, we are currently experiencing above normal temperatures.
Explaining why we are having a prolonged settled spell, she said: “It’s a blocking anti-cyclone that is situated just north west of Ireland which is stationary and is blocking all the weather fronts, keeping them well away from the country.”
According to Deirdre, it’s going to be dry, fine and settled with lots of sunshine over the bank holiday weekend, with temperatures ranging from 18 degrees at the coast up to 23 degrees further inland.
The good news is there is no end in sight just yet: “The dry area of high pressure is only going to move very slightly over the next number of days. The first signs of it possibly breaking down will be next week,” she said.
However, all the warm weather comes with warnings and restrictions. For those planning on heading for the beach, Cork County Council has issued guidelines on how to keep safe while there.
“We are reminding members of the public to please respect the water, leave inflatable toys at home, supervise children when they are in the water," said Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Danny Collins.
Starting this weekend, the beach lifeguards will raise their red and yellow flags to indicate when they are on duty between 10.30am-7pm daily.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has issued a Condition Orange warning signifying high fire risk until 6 June and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has appealed to the public not to light fires or barbecues in public places.
The Director General of the NPWS, Niall Ó Donnchú, has asked for everybody’s cooperation, saying: “We ask that members of the public not light fires or barbecues in any national parks or nature reserves, or indeed in nature generally. We are also asking that the public be vigilant and report any fire activity without delay.”
With the low rainfall levels, areas of Clonakilty are also facing water restrictions. Night time restrictions will be in place each evening, from 11pm until 7am, until Friday 2 June.
Areas affected include the entire Clonakilty Urban Network. In particular, high ground areas such as Youghals, Cloheen, Ladys Cross, The Bypass Road, Cottage Road, Fernhill Road, The Miles, Tawnies Lower and Barrick Hill will experience a reduction in pressure and flow during the restrictions. Uisce Éireann’s Regional Operations Lead Niall O’Riordan said: “These restrictions are required to give the reservoirs time to replenish and are necessary during this off-peak time, as it is possible that there would be insufficient water supply to homes and businesses during daytime hours without some measures being put in place.”
“It is important that we all consider our water usage and look at simple yet impactful ways to conserve water. By turning off the hose and avoiding power washing we can all help ensure there is enough water for everyone as we go through the summer,” Mr O’Riordan added.