The long-standing record of the longest heatwave in Ireland could be broken this weekend.

The country is still baking in temperatures exceeding the high 20s for the past two weeks, with areas being hit with a legitimate heatwave, that is, five consecutive days with temperatures over 25C, over the past two weeks.

While the country has consistently reminisced about the 1976 heatwave, which saw the mercury soar for two weeks, many have wondered if the five-decade record would ever be broken.

However, the record may very well be equalled on Saturday (July 18), with Carlow Weather meteorologist Alan O’Reilly saying that all eyes are on Moorepark weather station.

‘A fresh morning with some more cloud around but all eyes on Moore Park today to see if we can equal the longest heatwave in history, 14 days in 1976,’ he wrote on Twitter (X).

The temperature is forecast to reach highs of 26C in Cork today, meaning that if it stays like this today and tomorrow, then this heatwave will have been the longest heatwave since records began.

Looking to the weather for the rest of the week, Met Éireann has said that it will be warm and dry for most of the country on Saturday, sunniest in the midlands, south and east. Highest temperatures of 23C to 26C.

It will be dry and largely clear on Saturday night, although isolated mist patches may develop. Fresher than recent nights, with lowest temperatures of 9C to 13C.

Sunday will remain dry with hazy sunshine and a light northerly breeze. Highest temperatures will generally be around 20C to 26C, but cooler near the north and northwest coasts who will experience highs of 17C to 20C.

Most places will remain dry and clear on Sunday night, but cloudier in Ulster and north Connacht with a few patches of drizzle. Lowest temperatures 10C to 14C.

Becoming cloudier overall on Monday, but with sunny spells over the southern half of the country. Most places will remain dry, but patches of drizzle will affect parts of Connacht, Ulster and north Leinster. Warm in Leinster and Munster with highs of 20C to 25C, while Connacht and Ulster will have highs of 17C to 20C.

Looking to the rest of the week, Met Éireann has said that high pressure will remain dominant, but temperatures will decrease compared to recently. However, it’s expected to remain warm and dry with sunny spells for most.