Temperatures soared across the country again today to equal yesterday as the hottest day of the year so far.
The highest temperature of 29.5 degrees was recorded at Shannon Airport. This was equal to yesterday’s high at Mount Dillon in Co Roscommon, which recorded the fourth highest temperature today, at 28.1 degrees.
There wasn’t a drop of rain in sight as heat got up to 28.9 degrees in Moore Park, Co Cork and 28.5 degrees in Claremorris.
The sunshine is due to continue until Sunday with highs of 29 to 30 degrees in Leinster and East Ulster on Friday, according to Met Éireann.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end and rain is due to move in from the Atlantic on Sunday evening.
The good weather has created water shortages in certain areas which has forced a numer of local authorities to impose restrictions.
Kerry Co Council today announced that their supply is struggling to meet the increased demand and as a result of this restrictions will be imposed from 10.30pm to 7am .
Cork Co Council has also announced that supplies in Clonakilty will experience restrictions overnight which will affect approximately 4,000 properties. However, normal supply will be resumed tomorrow.
Since the beginning of the dry spell Galway City Council announced that water consumption from one of its reservoirs (Tonabrocky) has increased by about 10 per cent and is now at an unsustainable level.
Night-time restrictions have been put in place until consumption reverts to a normal level.
The hot weather combined with a burst pipe in Co Tipperary has also caused a depletion in the area’s water supply. Restrictions will be imposed for up to five days until the water stocks in certain reservoirs are replenished.
Yesterday Donegal Co Council also announced that there would be night-time supply restrictions in certain areas until further notice.
Local Authorities which have imposed water restrictions:
Cork: supplies in Clonakilty will experience restrictions in water overnight.
Galway City: water from the Tonabrocky reservoir will be subject to night-time restrictions from 10pm to 6am. The restriction will affect parts of Barna, Moycullen, Ballymoneen, Clybaun, Tonabrocky and other surrounding areas.
Kerry: night-time restrictions tonight from 10.30pm-7am. This will affect Barleymount East, Aghadoe, Two Mile School, Sheans and surrounding areas.
Tipperary South: shut off from 9pm to 7am to the Coolbawn to Moyglass line affecting surrounding areas. Supply will be stopped at Kilboy and Killenaule affecting Graystown, Cathaganstown and Knockanglass.
Water from the Ballinastick reservoir will also be shut off and this will affect areas in Coalbrook, Gurteen, Earlshill, Mardyke, Monslatt, Ballincurry and Lickfinn.
Donegal: water from the Tievebrack, Gleeneely and Ballynacor reservoirs will be shut off between 10pm and 7am. This will affect Castlefin, Castlederg Rd, Bellalt, Meenlogher, Crossroads, Knock, Kinlitter, Lismullaghduff, Sallywood, Edenamoghil, Monellan and Ballinman.