By Michelle Crean

With temperatures set to soar up to 29 degrees in the coming days, sun seekers sizzling in the heat are being urged to be cautious to avoid heat stress, dehydration and severe sunburn.

HEATWAVE: The heatwave may lead to heat stress especially for the more vulnerable of the population.

A Status Yellow High Temperature warning has been issued by Met Éireann for the whole country which could see temperatures potentially reach 30 degrees Celsius over the weekend.

While the county is enjoying the much needed sunshine, many groups are advising caution including limiting their time outside to avoid serious sunburn, the risk of water related incidents, and to keep an eye on the vulnerable in the community, while the National Parks and Wildlife Service is appealing to the public about the risks of fires and the use of BBQs in Killarney National Park.

According to Met Eireann's warning yesterday (Thursday) which kicks in from today (Friday) until Sunday, conditions are set to be very warm or hot today and tomorrow (Saturday) with maximum temperatures generally of 27 to 29 degrees and locally higher. They said it will also be warm overnight with minimum temperatures generally around 15 degrees.

"Members of the public intending to visit National Parks and Nature Reserves are reminded to adhere to regulations regarding the lighting of fires," the NPWS said.

"It is an offence under the Wildlife Act 1976 to light of any fire which causes or is likely to cause the burning of any vegetation within one mile (1.6km) of a woodland or nature reserve, and those doing so may face prosecution. The use of BBQs or open fires is strictly prohibited."

The NPWS also appealed to the public to be conscious of Emergency Service access in local beauty spots.

"Vehicles must not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency vehicle access and may be towed away if causing an obstruction."

Conservation Rangers and other NPWS staff will be monitoring and patrolling the network of sites over the coming days and remain in close liaison with the Gardaí and the Fire Service. Aerial surveillance involving NPWS staff will be monitoring from helicopters at some of the National Parks.

SAFETY APPEAL

Kerry County Council also issued a safety appeal.

"When outside, please use an appropriate sunscreen, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. For those planning to head to the beach with your family over the weekend, please follow the swim safely advice, swim only in areas that are covered by lifeguards, never go out of your depth, never swim alone and never let children swim alone."

As temperatures spike, older people and those with underlying health conditions can be particularly vulnerable at this time, ALONE, the organisation which supports older people to age at home, advised.

“We are reminding older people to take care and exercise caution in the heat," Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said. "Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be very harmful to over 65s. It is important to stay cool, drink plenty of water and to wear sunscreen and a hat. We are used to extreme weather in winter but extreme summer weather can cause serious problems also.”