Irish Water is asking the public to take steps to conserve water and avoid the need for restrictions later in the summer ahead of high temperatures forecast.

The utility company said supplies are operating normally and there are no plans to introduce restrictions at this time, but it expects to see an increase in demand for water over the coming weeks which "may put pressure on some supplies".

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow warning for "exceptionally warm weather" on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, with daytime temperatures of 25C to 30C generally and possibly up to 32C in places tomorrow.

Irish Water said a number of rural areas have begun to come under pressure for water supplies, particularly in the south and midlands.

It is already taking action to protect supplies in parts of Co Cork and Tipperary, Carron in Co Clare and Inis Oírr in Galway.

Tom Cuddy, Irish Water's Head of Asset Operations, said: "We will continue to monitor the levels at all our supplies over the coming weeks and months and take any actions that may be necessary to maintain supplies, including communicating about localised issues as they arise.

"It is important that we all consider our water usage and look at simple yet impactful ways to conserve water.

"By reducing the water used in paddling pools, turning off the hose and avoiding power washing we can all help ensure there is enough water to for everyone as we go through the summer."

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Met Éireann said it will remain uncomfortably warm overnight too in coming days, with temperatures ranging from 15-20C.

The warning, which lasts until 9pm on Tuesday, brings a risk of heat stress, especially for more vulnerable people, a high UV index and water-related incidents.

A combination of factors will steer the high temperatures seen across mainland Europe to Ireland for a brief spell, according to Met Éireann meteorologist Paul Downes.

He said the high temperatures are caused by a portion of the Azores High extending from the southwest over Ireland for the weekend, bringing rising temperatures but still holding warmer air to the south.

The highest ever temperatures recorded in Ireland were 33.3C at Kilkenny Castle on 26 June 1887, followed by 32.3C in Elphin, Roscommon on 19 July 2006.

Today is set to be very warm and dry with widespread hazy sunshine and temperatures of 23-28C, warmest in the Midlands.

Tomorrow is set to have hot conditions across the country with widespread temperatures of 25-30C, possibly reaching 31-32C in some parts of the east and midlands.

"There is a little more uncertainty regarding Tuesday but it does look like it will be another hot day and perhaps as hot if not hotter than Monday," Mr Downes said.

Lauren Olmeda jumps in at the Forty Foot in Dublin (Photo: Leah Farrell/Rollingnews)

Homeless plan

Meanwhile, Ireland's largest local authority has put contingency plans in place to protect the homeless in the event of extreme temperatures in coming days.

Dublin City Council said it seeks to ensure homeless people are sheltered for the duration of any very hot weather.

This morning, a council spokesperson said: "In response to the hot weather warning expected over the coming days, arrangements are in place with service providers to ensure that temporary shelter will continue to be available to all who wish to access it".

Outreach teams will distribute water and sunscreen and use social media to ask the public to report people sleeping rough during the hot weather.

The council encouraged anyone requiring emergency accommodation to contact their local authority or the freephone number for its homeless services - 1800 707 707.