Hosepipe ban now in place as Met Éireann issues fresh weather warnings to nine counties

A six-week hosepipe ban is now in effect from today, Thursday July 16, for six areas across Ireland as the country continues to experience exceptionally dry conditions and soaring temperatures.

The Water Conservation Order, introduced by Uisce Éireann, applies to the Greater Dublin Area, South Tipperary and parts of Kildare, Meath, Wicklow and Wexford and will remain in place until August 26.

Under the hosepipe ban, households are prohibited from using hosepipes and similar devices for non-essential purposes such as watering gardens, washing cars, filling paddling pools and cleaning patios.

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Uisce Éireann said domestic water use has risen by around 20% above normal levels during the recent heatwave, placing additional strain on treatment plants and reservoirs.

The utility said the restrictions are necessary to safeguard drinking water supplies and ensure sufficient water remains available for homes, businesses and essential services.

Uisce Éireann is urging people across the country — even in areas not currently subject to restrictions — to conserve water wherever possible by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, turning off taps when not in use and avoiding unnecessary outdoor water use.

Meanwhile, Met Éireann has issued fresh High Temperature warnings as temperatures are expected to reach 30 degrees in some areas.

The warning has been issued to Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford with forecasters warning of heat stress, dehydration, uncomfortable sleeping conditions and an increased risk of wildfires as the prolonged spell of hot weather continues.

The warnings come into effect from 12pm on Friday and will remain in place until 8pm, with experts saying things will start to cool down slightly from then.

Carlow Weatherman Alan O’Reilly has said that today (Thursday) will see peak heat in come places and things will start to “slowly drop back” with the weekend looking a lot cooler with temperatures in the mid to low 20s.

In its five-day-forecast, Met Éireann has said high pressure will continue to dominate with mainly dry with sunny spells expected but turning a bit cooler than recently with northerly breezes.

Today

Today will be very warm and largely dry with plenty of sunshine. There's a slight chance of one or two showers developing in the south and west. Highest temperatures of 24 to 29 or 30 degrees, warmest in the midlands and west with light northeast or variable breezes.

Tonight will be dry with clear spells and possibly some patches of mist and fog. Lowest temperatures of 12 to 16 degrees in light to moderate northerly winds.

Friday

Friday will be dry with light to moderate northerly breezes. It will be sunniest over Munster and Leinster with highest temperatures of 25 and 28 degrees, warmest in the south. It will be somewhat cloudier and a bit cooler in Connacht and Ulster with highest temperatures of 17 to 24 degrees.

Friday night will be dry with clear spells and light to moderate northerly breeze. Lowest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees.

Saturday

Saturday will be dry with moderate northerly breezes. The best of the sunshine will be over Munster and Leinster with highest temperatures of 21 to 25 degrees. It will be somewhat cloudier over Connacht and Ulster with highest temperatures of 16 to 21 degrees.

Saturday night will be dry with clear spells, a few patches of mist and fog and lowest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees.

Sunday

Sunday will be dry with sunny spells and northerly breezes. Again, it will be warmest over Leinster and Munster with the best of the sunshine and highs of 21 to 25 degrees. There'll be a bit more cloud over Connacht and Ulster with highs of 16 to 21 degrees.

Further Outlook

Monday to Thursday will continue largely dry with mainly north to northwest breezes. It will be cloudy at times, especially over Connacht and Ulster where temperatures will range from about 16 to 21 degrees. Munster and Leinster will be warmer with more sunshine and highest temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees.