Ireland's image of a land of rain and mist is looking a little frazzled. The nation is experiencing a Mediterranean-style heatwave.
Doctors are reporting large numbers of sunburn cases, especially among children.It's dreadful," said Dr. Peter Kennan, consultant pediatrician in the accident wing of one Dublin hospital. "It seems incredible, but babies have been left sitting outside in prams and buggies."
As temperatures reached 86 degrees Fahrenheit for the eighth consecutive day, newspapers carried articles advising this nation of 3.5 million how and when to use suntan lotions.
Health Minister Brendan Howling, who only months ago was worried about flooding in many parts of the country, has urged households to use water sparingly.
Weather experts say it may be the longest unbroken spell of fine weather on record.