Ireland was on the fringe of the heat dome that seared much of Europe for several days late last month.
In some parts of the country temperatures exceeded an uncomfortable 32 degrees and the hot spell ended with unseasonable thunderstorms and hail showers.
Why is this happening?
Climate scientists have recently warned that El Niño would impact temperatures in Europe this year, so is that why two heatwaves arrived in June, one delivering record-breaking temperatures?
The June event was called a “heat dome” but what is that and what causes it?
Another intense heatwave is forecast for Europe, beginning on July 5th.
Recording-breaking temperatures are produced by climate change and they are something scientists have warned about for decades. So why is Ireland so behind in implementing policies that would help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Caroline O’Doherty, the climate and science correspondent with The Irish Times, explains.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.
","author_name":"The Irish Times"}