The “SunSmart” campaign by the Health Service Executive is anticipated to cause more celebration than concern for the upcoming bank holiday weekend, given the year’s weather circumstances. The past months, including February, March, and April, have been considerably rainier than usual, with only a short reprieve of dry weather towards the end of the previous month.
However, the forthcoming bank holiday weekend seems to hint at more favourable weather. Despite initial rain on Saturday, it is expected to clear up. The forecast for Sunday predicts warm temperatures ranging between 13 and 18 degrees, with similar conditions predicted for Monday.
Meteorologist Liz Walsh from Met Éireann forecasts a rise in high pressure next week which indicates settled and drier weather. As the week progresses, the weather seems likely to improve, with sunny May weather conditions expected. Particularly promising predictions suggest that temperatures may reach the early twenties by the end of next week.
In the wake of the first good weather spell, the HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) in association with Healthy Ireland is launching this year’s SunSmart campaign. The campaign aims to challenge and correct the misconception that the “Irish sun isn’t real sun”.
Dr Breeda Neville, HSE specialist in public health medicine, underscored the importance of acknowledging that the sun in Ireland can be potent enough to cause skin damage. It is particularly fierce between 11am and 3pm. The SunSmart campaign reveals ways to protect the skin from harmful sun exposure, thus reducing the risk of skin cancer. Following daily SunSmart 5S’s routine is advised for enjoying the sun safely.