A new Irish temperature record for May has been set, a day after the previous one was broken, as a Status Yellow heat warning remains in effect for eight counties.
The record for the month of May in Ireland was broken at Shannon Airport where the mercury hit 30.5C.
It comes following another record earlier at the Oak Park weather station just outside Carlow town, with 29.7C recorded.
28.6C was recorded at Shannon Airport in Co Clare yesterday, breaking the previous May record of 28.4C, which was set at Ardfert in Co Kerry on 31 May 1997.
Met Éireann had earlier warned that temperatures above 27C, along with night-time temperatures above 15C, are likely for Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Kilkenny, Laois and Offaly.
The warning is in effect until 6pm tomorrow, when highest temperatures nationwide will range from 22C to 30C.
The forecaster said this could lead to heat stress, difficult sleeping conditions and water safety issues due to increased use of lakes and beaches.
Forest fires are also a possibility with the Department of Agriculture issuing an orange level advisory.
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Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Met Éireann forecaster Gerry Murphy said that although statistically May is the sunniest month, it is not the hottest.
He said people should make the most of the good weather today and tomorrow, as temperatures will begin to drop from Thursday.
Earlier, Met Éireann Meteorologist Holly O'Neill said the highest temperatures were likely to be in the midlands and southwest.
A so-called "heat dome" of warm air from northern Africa trapped under a high-pressure system over western Europe is behind the high temperatures not usually seen until high summer.
More: How to stay safe in the summer heat
The "hot spell" will continue into tomorrow, Met Éireann said, with temperatures ranging between 22C and 29C or 30C.
It will be hottest in the midwest and west, but a little lower in coastal parts of the east and northeast.
Ms O'Neill encouraged people to stay "sun-smart" during the spell of hot weather.
"The UV over the next few days is going to be quite high, so we're asking people to be sun-smart," she said.
"Wear sun cream, seek shade if you are out and about during the day.
"Stay hydrated as well, most importantly, and also follow any water safety guidelines from Water Safety Ireland, if you are out and about on the water," she added.
The Irish Cancer Society also reminded people to protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet rays, the main cause of skin cancer.
Michelle Lonergan, cancer awareness nurse at the charity, said simple steps can make a "huge difference in reducing" risk.
These include regularly reapplying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or above), and wearing lightweight long sleeves, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
The Irish Blue Cross is also urging pet owners not to walk dogs during hot weather.
The charity says exercising dogs in temperatures above 20C can put them at serious risk of heatstroke, particularly flat-faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs, as well as overweight pets.
The group is also warning owners never to leave dogs in parked cars, even for a short time or with windows partly open.
Veterinary experts say heatstroke can develop quickly and may lead to seizures, organ failure or death if not treated immediately.
Cat owners are also being reminded to check sheds, greenhouses and sunrooms before closing them, as animals can become trapped in warm conditions.
Additional reporting: Dónal Ryan, PA
