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Should workplaces in Ireland close early in extreme heat? Take our poll and have your say

Temperatures are expected to rocket over the coming hours

[Person working in a heatwave]

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It's heating up across Ireland this week. (Image: GETTY)

Extreme weather of any kind is never pleasant but high temperatures, especially in a country like Ireland, bring with it a host of potential problems.

A 6am today a Status Yellow weather warning for high temperatures became active and will remain in place for the next 48 hours.

Experts at Met Eireann expect temperatures to reach as high as 28C or higher.

The state forecaster has listed the following as potential impacts: water safety issues due to increased use of beaches/lakes/rivers; uncomfortable sleeping conditions; heat stress and animal welfare issues.

Warm and sunny weather is always welcome but prolonged periods of extreme heat can be unbearable.

Our homes and workplaces are not built to endure that sort of heat for long periods of time which inevitably leads to the question whether some businesses should consider closing early when the heat becomes too hot to handle.

It's a question that's sure to irk business owners but the health and safety of employees is important.

Obviously, there are workplaces throughout the country with airy offices with state of the art air conditioning but spare a thought for people working in small, enclosed areas with little ventilation - it sounds like hell.

We shouldn't bemoan good weather but the reality of the situation is Ireland isn't Spain, Italy or France and a conversation about extreme temperatures in the workplace is, if nothing else, worth having.

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