High temperature warning: Public advice from St. Vincent’s University Hospital 

23rd June 2026

St. Vincent’s University Hospital is advising patients, visitors, staff and the wider public to take extra care during the high temperatures forecast across Ireland this week. 

A Status Yellow High Temperature warning is in place from today, Tuesday 23rd June until 09:00 on Friday 26th June. Conditions are expected to include high daytime temperatures, warm and humid nights, and the possibility of thunderstorms later in the week. 

SVUH has plans in place to manage the impact of this weather and is encouraging everyone to take simple steps to protect their health and wellbeing. 

Supporting patients, visitors, staff and the wider public 

Warm weather can be enjoyable but it can also place additional strain on the body. Some people are more vulnerable to heat, including: 

• Older people 
• Babies and young children 
• Expectant mothers 
• People with long-term health conditions 
• People working outdoors 
• Anyone living alone or less able to keep cool 

During periods of high temperatures, healthcare services can experience increased demand. The public is encouraged to take preventative measures and to use healthcare services appropriately where possible. 

Message from SVUH 

Pauline McGrath, Chief Executive Officer at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, said:

“During periods of high temperatures, small practical steps can make a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing. 

We encourage everyone to take care, stay hydrated and look out for those who may be more vulnerable. 

For those attending the hospital, please plan ahead, allow extra time for travel and take extra care during the hottest parts of the day.” 

Key steps to stay safe in hot weather 

The public is advised to: 

• Stay in the shade where possible 
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day 
• Drink plenty of fluids 
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing 
• Use sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection on exposed skin 
• Keep indoor spaces cool by closing blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day and opening windows when temperatures drop 
• Check on older relatives, neighbours and anyone who may be more vulnerable 
• Keep up to date with weather forecasts and warnings 

If you are attending SVUH 

If you are attending an appointment or visiting a loved one, please: 

• Allow extra time for travel 
• Bring water with you where possible 
• Take care when moving between public transport, car parks and hospital buildings 
• Continue to attend scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise 

If you are unwell and need urgent or emergency care, do not delay seeking medical help. 

Recognising heat exhaustion 

Heat exhaustion can occur when the body becomes too hot and cannot cool itself effectively. 

Signs may include: 

• Headache 
• Dizziness or confusion 
• Feeling sick or loss of appetite 
• Excessive sweating 
• Muscle cramps 
• Fast breathing or pulse 
• Intense thirst 
• High temperature 

If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler place, encourage them to drink fluids and help them cool down. 

If symptoms are severe, do not improve or you are concerned, seek medical advice urgently. 

Call 112 or 999 if someone shows signs of heatstroke, such as confusion, loss of consciousness, very hot skin or seizures or if they are seriously unwell. 

Take care near water 

During warm weather, more people spend time near water. Accidents can happen during everyday activities, not just swimming. 

Please remember to: 

• Swim only where it is safe to do so 
• Supervise children at all times near water 
• Avoid alcohol when swimming or spending time near water 
• Check tides and weather conditions 
• Follow safety signage 
• Carry a means of calling for help 

Thunderstorms and travel safety 

Thunderstorms are possible later in the week and may bring: 

• Intense rainfall 
• Surface water flooding 
• Poor visibility 
• Hazardous road conditions 

If travelling, please: 

• Allow extra time 
• Slow down in poor conditions 
• Check weather updates before setting out 

Further information 

For the latest advice and updates, please visit: 

• Met Éireann: www.met.ie 
• HSE guidance on hot weather: www.hse.ie 
• Water Safety Ireland: www.watersafety.ie 
• Uisce Éireann: www.water.ie 

Looking out for one another 

SVUH encourages everyone to take simple precautions to protect themselves, their families and those around them during this period of high temperatures. 

Looking out for others, particularly those who may be more vulnerable, can make a real difference.