Things are hotting up nicely already.

But Met Éireann’s Status Yellow – High-Temperature warning for Leinster and Munster kicks in at 12pm today, with temperatures expected to soar into the high twenties.

According to forecasters the rest of the week and the weekend will be “very warm or hot” in Cork with maximum temperatures generally of 27 to 29 degrees.

It will be warm at night too with temperatures generally staying above 15 degrees. The latest weather alert will remain in place until Sunday at 6am.

Today will be dry, sunny & very warm ☀️

Highs: 24-29°C, possibly 30°C in parts of Leinster & Munster 📈🌡️

Less warm along the Connacht & west Ulster coasts ⛱️

Sea breezes will develop this afternoon 😎

Some fog near northeastern coasts 🌫️

More here 👇https://t.co/9gKN6SVok4 pic.twitter.com/qzQC1zT9WI

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) August 11, 2022

As the mercury rises, Met Éireann urged the public to exercise some extra caution when it comes to UV sun protection, hydration and water safety.

“Hydration is once again very important through this period as it will also remain very warm and muggy at night time. This applies to farm animals and pets also,” they said.

“Unfortunately there have been a number of water-related fatalities this year, and it is therefore paramount that water safety is at the forefront of our minds when it comes to enjoying the warm conditions, or seeking relief when it gets too hot.”

With the very dry conditions and the gradual increase in temperatures exacerbating that, fire risk will be high: “Always make sure to properly extinguish barbeques, and avoid lighting open fires in wooded or grassland areas.” they added.

The highest August temperature was set 27 years ago on Sunda, August 2nd, 1995 at Oak Park, Co. Carlow with 31.5°C.