Cooler, humid weather to mark end of extended dry spell

Humid, cooler conditions with the likelihood of some heavy or thundery downpours are expected later this week marking the end of the extended settled spell.

A large so-called "blocking" anticyclone which has fended off Atlantic weather systems from Ireland for most of the month is slipping southwards over continental Europe.

A complicated network of weather fronts is now expected to advance across Ireland during the rest of the month bringing some much needed rain in the process.

Many areas have seen very little or no rainfall since the beginning of the month, but that is due to change later this week with western counties facing the highest chances of heavy or prolonged showers. Temperatures will dip from the recent highs to more normal values in the low-20s.

While July so far has been very warm and dry, the next week or so will be cooler but noticeably more humid with muggy nights. The humidity will trigger some heavy or even thundery downpours which are most likely in the afternoon and evening and particularly along the Atlantic seaboard. Night time temperatures will remain the mid-teens but may feel warmer because of the relatively high humidity.

The hot and settled conditions so far this month have prompted a spate of problems associated with fine holiday weather. Camp sites, caravan parks and beaches have been particularly busy, placing pressure on local refuse collection services.

Clare County Council has called on the public to "be more civic minded" when it comes to litter.

Warning that on-the-spot fines of €150 will be imposed for failure to dispose correctly of picnic and other litter, the council has said “local volunteers have been of great assistance in dealing with rubbish on our beaches”.

Mary Skehan, the council's environment services spokeswoman, said a maximum €3,000 could be imposed if offenders do not stop leaving bags of domestic rubbish beside litter bins at public amenities.

In Co Derry, a man has been arrested after a woman and young girl were struck by a car on Benone strand near Castlerock. They were treated in hospital for their injuries which are not said to be life-threatening.

Limavady Borough Council said consideration had been given to banning cars from the blue-flag beach but the idea had been rejected.

Mayor Gerry Mullan said: "Council have considered many different options in the past and we have rejected them. Allowing vehicle access onto the beach does eradicate parking problems."