Study Finds Ireland Faces Increased Threat of Extreme Heat, Now 20 Times More Likely to Reach 33°C
The probability and intensity of high heat events in Ireland have significantly increased, according to recent study from Maynooth University. According to the analysis, the nation is currently 20 times more likely to see its record high temperature of 33.3°C than it was 80 years ago.
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Two years ago, on July 18, the Phoenix Park weather station recorded Dublin’s highest temperature ever at 33°C, just shy of the national record. The Maynooth University study examined the frequency and scale of such extreme heat events and found that what was once a rare occurrence every 180 years is now expected every nine years.
Furthermore, the study highlighted a more than twofold increase in the geographical area impacted by the threat of extreme heat, meaning more people will be affected each time. Lead author Professor Andrew Parnell predicts Ireland could see temperatures reach 34°C within three to five years, stressing the urgency for societal adaptation and preparation.
Impact of Ireland’s Rising Threat of Extreme Heat
Ireland, which has never experienced 34°C heat, now faces a 57-fold increase in the likelihood of such temperatures compared to 80 years ago. This has profound implications for public health, agriculture, and economic stability. Professor Parnell emphasised the need to focus on extreme temperature events rather than average changes, pointing out the severe impacts on health, agriculture, and the economy.
