Thousands of people are soaking up the sunshine on beaches and waterways across the country. It is due to be the hottest day of the year, with temperatures of up to 29 degrees forecast in the Midlands.

Met Eireann has issued a yellow weather warning urging people to take care in hot conditions.

Dublin bathed in 15 hours of uninterrupted sunshine yesterday and may do the same today.

These people have flocked to Seapoint beach in south Dublin.

Forecaster Deirdre Lowe spoke to Newstalk Breakfast earlier.

Water safety

Irish Water safety is reminding people to take care when swimming in open water during the hot spell.

13 people drowned during last summer's fine weather, according to the safety body.

An analysis of figures from the last 25 years shows more than one third of people who died while swimming had consumed alcohol beforehand.

62% of drownings happen inland. Irish Water Safety is appealing to people not to drink alcohol before getting into the water and to always stay within their depth.

Thomas Raabe and Simone Raabe from Germany enjoying the wheather outside the Bad Ass bar in Temple Bar Tuesday

The DSPCA has meanwhile warned animal owners not to leave their pets in direct sunlight, and to provide adequate shade, ventilation and cool water.

The Association says if you have a cat or a dog with white ears or a pink nose, you need to use a high factor children's sun cream on them.

But they have also issued a warning to would-be good Samaritans: 'If you see a dog in a car on a warm day, call the gardaí, they are the only ones authorised to break into a car.'

Our tropical spell will peak today with temperatures dropping slightly from tomorrow.