Today was the hottest day in a decade with temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius recorded this afternoon. In some parts of the midlands temperatures are reported to have reached 31C, according to Met Éireann.
The highest temperature recorded since records began in Ireland was 33.3C at Kilkenny Castle on June 26th, 1887.
Pale-skinned Irish people basking in the glorious July heatwave have been warned not to forget the sunscreen with soaring temperatures.
Irish Cancer Society figures reveal that one in every eight men in Ireland and one in every 10 women will develop skin cancer by the age of 74 years, largely due to over-exposure to the sun and sunbeds. This country's rates of skin cancer are among the highest in Europe.
Some 90 per cent of all skin cancers are preventable, the society says.
Anyone soaking up the rays should do so in safety, using a high-factor sun cream reapplied liberally and often.
Met Éireann says the good sunshine will continue in most areas today, but there may be some cloud and mist for a time along parts of the north-west coast. Temperatures will be particularly high inland, reaching between 26 and 30 degrees, but it will be cooler in coastal areas.
Tonight will be mainly dry and very mild, but there may be a few showers in the south-west towards the morning.
Sun-worshippers (wearing the appropriate protection) can look forward to hot temperatures again tomorrow, with hazy sunshine in most parts. There may be some heavy, thundery showers in parts of the west and south-west in the morning, however, possibly spreading elsewhere during the day.
There will be sunny spells and some scattered showers on Thursday, with temperatures moderating slightly to reach the low to mid-20s.
Meanwhile, the sun also seems to be responsible for some traffic delays throughout the State, as people hit the road and head for the best beach spots.
A spokeswoman for AA Roadwatch said there were no huge delays and they were less than expected given the heatwave. But there are traffic problems in some areas today, including Galway.
The heat has also given rise to a non-congestion related traffic problem, AA Roadwatch said: tar surfaces on some roads have begun to melt in the heat.
The 'melting-road' phenomenon was reported by motorists travelling between Kells and Moynalty, Co Meath yesterday.
AA Roadwatch said motorists coming across such problems should slow down because melting tar could create slippery conditions.
There were 30-minute delays for motorists today on the Enniscorthy side of Gorey, Co Wexford earlier today.
In Galway, the 29 thGalway Arts Festival continues until the end of July and anyone travelling to the City of the Tribes should expect extra traffic. There are also 30-45 minute delays today on the Galway side of Tuam due to roadworks at the business park.
Cork Week has also attracted extra visitors to Crosshaven, where the regatta continues at the Royal Cork Yacht Club until Friday. Thousands of people will attend the event every day and there will be traffic delays.
Motorists should take care in the Wicklow Gap today due to a serious oil spill on the Laragh road, according to AA Roadwatch.
In Kilkenny, a truck that overturned this morning on a bad bend at Ennisnag between Kilkenny and Stoneyford will not be removed until 7pm, when the road will be closed temporarily.
In Meath, roadworks on the south side of Dunshaughlin village and on Flowerhill in Navan will result in delays at rush-hour.