Temperatures squeezed past the milestone 30 degrees mark in parts of Ireland yesterday, completing the once-in-a-decade pattern of countrywide high temperatures, according to Met Éireann.
Despite Athy reaching 31.3 degrees and Kilkenny and Shannon airport reaching 30.2 and 30.1 degrees respectively, the June 1976 record of 31.6 degrees was not equalled or superseded.
Yesterday was, however, the warmest day of the year to date and marks the highest temperatures since the summer of 1995, according to Sarah O'Reilly, a forecaster and meteorologist with Met Éireann.
The summer of 1983 was the last time such widespread warm temperatures were recorded.
"It seems these temperatures come once a decade if you look back to the record-breaking summer of 1976 and follow similar temperatures up to 1983 and 1995," she said.
While areas such as Claremorris in Co Mayo, Birr in Co Offaly, Clones in Co Monaghan and Finner in Co Donegal hovered around the 28 degrees mark, Dublin airport recorded the relatively lowly temperature of 24 degrees.
Rosslare in Co Waterford enjoyed a dismal 18 degrees.
These lower temperatures on the east coast were attributed by Met Éireann to a light easterly breeze.
Temperatures are expected to touch the 30 degree mark again today but tonight will signal the end of the hot, dry and settled spell of weather.
While most areas will start dry and sunny today, it will become increasingly cloudy and some heavy and possibly thundery showers will follow.
Tomorrow will again feature sunny spells and some scattered showers, with temperatures decreasing during the day to the low to mid 20s.
Friday and Saturday will usher in a mixture of sunshine and some further showers, with similar daytime temperatures and moderate to fresh southerly winds.
With the heat wave due to conclude today, to be replaced with a mixed cocktail of rain, thunder and sunny spells, companies countrywide can look forward to a return of their full workforce.
Patricia Callan, director of the Small Firms' Association, said there was a notable correlation between the soaring temperatures and increased absenteeism.
Anecdotal evidence would suggest that people have been contacting their employers this week and availing of annual leave days.
"It makes sense for people to take holidays this week when the weather is good and a lot of companies are being flexible because it tends to be quieter during the summer months.
"But people ringing in sick is not to be tolerated," she said.
The hot spots
Athy 31.3 degrees
Kilkenny 30.2 degrees
Shannon 30.1 degrees
Birr 29.9 degrees
Finner, Donegal 28.9 degrees
Claremorris 28 degrees
Baldonnel 27 degrees
Cork airport 24.8 degrees
Dublin airport 24 degrees