No matter where you are in Ireland right now, it is likely that it is feeling very, very warm.

Such is the current spell of hot weather that Met Éireann had issued a Status Yellow high temperature warning for the entire country.

A separate Status Orange warning has since been issued for Cavan, Monaghan, south Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford and Westmeath.

We are normally used to hearing such warnings issued for severe rain or windy conditions and, while a Status Yellow is the least severe of the warnings the forecaster can issue, it still brings risk. In the areas where the Status Orange warning applies, the risk is heightened again.

In conditions such as this, people are being warned to be mindful of the risk of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

The Health Service Executive has warned that during heatwaves, older people, young children and more vulnerable groups are most at risk.

So, as temperatures are set to exceed 30C throughout the week, here is some advice for taking care in the sun.

Stay cool

One important tip from the HSE is to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, by either staying in the shade or covering windows exposed to direct sunlight.

If you will be outdoors, then it is vital to protect your skin by using shade, wearing clothes that cover your skin, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen of factor 30+ for adults and of 50+ for children.

All of the above can help to protect our bodies from the sun's harmful UV rays.

When it comes to sunscreen, it is important to reapply it throughout the day if you are out and about.

Opening windows can bring some natural ventilation into a room to cool it down, particularly at night, so should be done when it is safe and feasible to do so.

According to the HSE, air conditioning should be used using a fresh air supply as this is important to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Keep hydrated

Keeping hydrated throughout the day is said to be key so do make sure you are drinking water at regular intervals.

If you feel dehydrated at any point, it is important to drink water or oral rehydration sachets (ask your pharmacist for advice on the latter).

Again, if you are out and about, make sure to bring water with you. Your body sweats to try cool you down in the heat, so drinking water rehydrates your body.

Our pets can be susceptible to dehydration and heatstroke too, so it is important to ensure they are not exposed to the heat for long periods of time. Absolutely do no not, for example, leave your dog in your car.

Water safety

At a time when the weather is like this and the summer holidays are on, it is likely that beaches and seaside areas will be packed with people over the coming days.

The Government advises people to only swim at designated waterways and beaches where lifeguards are present. It also advises people to follow orders from lifeguards and pay attention to all the signage in an area.

Try to stick to a depth you feel comfortable in, and within the flags.

If you are caught by a rip current sweeping you out to sea, do not swim against the current. The advice is to try to remain calm and swim parallel to shore until you free.

If you are enjoying the water closer to home, adults are told to always supervise playtime in paddling pools and ensure they are emptied straight away after use.

Make sure to look after each other

In a statement today, Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan urged the public to enjoy the sun "in as safe a way as possible".

"Other risks to be mindful of during this spell of hot weather are heat exhaustion and heat stroke," he said.

"Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes. Signs of heat exhaustion include headache, dizziness and confusion, loss of appetite and feeling sick, fast breathing or pulse, high temperature of 38C or above and being very thirsty.

"If not treated this can lead to heatstroke, which means the body is no longer able to cool itself down and this needs to be treated as an emergency."

Anyone who feels unwell, or if any children display such symptoms, the advice is to immediately move to a cool place to rest and hydrate, and seek medical attention if necessary.

"Look out for others around you, especially individuals who may be more vulnerable to the effects of heat such as older people, young children and babies," Dr Holohan added.

The HSE has more advice on how to be "sunsmart" here.