Water rationing, roads melting; the June 2018 heatwave has taken over and Ireland just can’t cope.
Ireland spends most of its time complaining that we never have a summer but with thanks to the heatwave over the last few days leading into this weekend, we’ve finally realized that we’re just not cut out for the heat. In fact, even our roads can’t handle this June heatwave and they’re melting away causing some dangerous driving conditions.
Over the past three days, temperatures in Ireland have soared over 86°F (30°C) with the Irish weather service Met Éireann issuing a yellow alert for uncharacteristically high temperatures extending until this Friday.
Read more: Longford expected to be the hottest place in Europe this week as temperatures reach 86 degrees
Tuesday was said to be the hottest day of the year so far with motorists being cautioned that tarred road surfaces could begin to boil in the heat and the public at large being urged to head for the coast if the temperatures became too much.
A statement from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) said: "Hot weather means hot roads and softer road surfaces.
"We are reminding road users to be careful of surfaces becoming slick and dangerous, particularly on minor roads. Please exercise caution when braking."
Read more: 'Grand drying weather' - the funniest tweets about Ireland’s hottest day of the year
Council crews gritting roads as heat melts tar on a number of secondary routes in Mayo. pic.twitter.com/4SFJLXGIo4
— Pat McGrath (@patmcgrath) June 27, 2018
Mayo and Sligo County Councils were also planning to grit the roads as the tar became too melted for drivers.
“Road Safety Alert: Our gritters are on standby to deal with melting roads in the blazing sunshine,” Mayo council said in a tweet.
"Gritters can be used for hail and in this case shine! Please be aware and drive carefully."
Road Safety Alert: Our gritters are on standby to deal with melting roads in the blazing sunshine. Gritters can be used for hail and in this case shine!
— Mayo County Council (@MayoCoCo) June 26, 2018
Please be aware and drive carefully. pic.twitter.com/W28Q45FA1K
Met Éireann could yet issue a red warning if temperatures continue to rise towards Ireland's 1887 record of 91.94°F (33.3°C).
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