Heatwave Continues as Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for 19 Irish Counties

Dublin: Met Éireann has issued weather warnings for 19 counties across Ireland as the country braces for severe thunderstorms, heavy showers, lightning and continued high temperatures. Forecasters say hot and humid conditions will persist on Friday, with temperatures expected to range between 23°C and 29°C.

A Status Yellow thunderstorm warning is in place for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Tipperary, Connacht, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly and Westmeath from 9am to 6pm. The warning highlights the risk of localised flooding, lightning strikes, hail, hazardous driving conditions and strong winds.

A separate Status Yellow thunderstorm alert covering Connacht and Donegal will remain in effect until 6pm on Friday. Earlier, Cork, Kerry and Waterford were placed under a Status Orange thunderstorm warning from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday due to the threat of severe storms.

Motorists Urged to Exercise Caution

Met Éireann has advised motorists to reduce speed and maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead during adverse weather. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has also urged drivers to avoid flooded roads where possible and to use dipped headlights to improve visibility.

The warnings come as Ireland experiences its hottest spell of the year, with Thursday recording the highest temperatures so far this summer.

High-Temperature Alert Extended

A nationwide Status Yellow high-temperature warning, which has been in effect since Tuesday afternoon, has now been extended until 9am on Saturday.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has convened emergency coordination meetings with key agencies in response to the evolving weather conditions.

Director Keith Leonard warned that the combination of extreme heat and severe thunderstorms presents an elevated risk over the next 48 hours.

“The greatest risk is expected across western, north-western and central parts of the country on Friday. People should monitor weather updates closely and be prepared to act if conditions deteriorate,” he said.

Cooler, Wetter Weekend Ahead

Conditions are expected to change over the weekend. Rain moving into western Ireland on Saturday will gradually spread across the country, although some dry and sunny spells are forecast. Eastern and north-eastern areas are likely to remain warm for longer, with temperatures ranging between 17°C and 23°C.

On Sunday, sunshine and scattered showers are expected, with rain developing first in western and northern counties before spreading elsewhere during the afternoon and evening. Temperatures are forecast to ease, reaching 15°C to 20°C, particularly in western regions.

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