If your hanging baskets are looking a little wilted, you’d better hope Mother Nature provides a few summer showers.

As the country battles drought conditions caused by the hottest summer in 80 years, a national hosepipe ban officially came into effect in Cork today, Friday at 8am and will continue until Tuesday, July 31st.

Irish Water has confirmed that the ban, which has already been halting paddling pool parties in Dublin since Monday, is now in force across the entire country.

During long periods without rain, our water sources can start to dry up. These images of the Lough Easkey source in Sligo show how much water levels are decreasing in rivers and lakes across the country. Water is a precious resource #ConserveWater pic.twitter.com/MsfNl7X8JZ

— Irish Water (@IrishWater) July 4, 2018

Anyone discovered to be flouting the ban could be fined up to €125.