Thursday is set to be the hottest day of the year so far, with Met Éireann forecasting temperatures up to 31C and beyond.
A status yellow high temperature warning has been in place since noon on Tuesday and expires at 9am on Friday.
Met Éireann said it will be hot and humid across the country today.
It will be dry with good sunshine, but thunderstorms may develop at times in the west and northwest.
These will bring "torrential downpours", the weather forecaster said, with frequent lightning and gusty winds if they occur.
Highest tempertures will range from 25C to 31C, and possibly higher in some places.
Hottest temperaatures are expected across the midlands and in the west of the country.
Met Éireann said the hot weather increases water safety issues due to a spike in the rise of lakes and beaches.
Other impacts include uncomfortable sleeping conditions, heat stress, and the possibility of forest fires.
The hot conditions will continue on Friday,...
