MET Eireann has confirmed the heatwave is set to continue today with highs of 30C – before thunderstorms hit in the afternoon.
As temperatures sizzled to a record-breaking 31.8C yesterday, counties Westmeath and Offaly were hit the brunt of the heatwave.
The public is advised to take caution as temperatures rise[/caption]
Weather chiefs warned that “unsettled conditions” are in store next week.
Ireland’s Weather Channel warned of localised flooding, frequent lightning, power outages, gusty winds and large hail.
Weather pro Cathal Nolan said: “Ahead of an advancing cold front and upper trough, a favourable environment for the development of locally severe thunderstorms exists this afternoon, especially across parts of the West Midlands, and much of Connacht.
“A strong shear gradient within 800J/kg of CAPE will allow for the development of a cluster of thunderstorms between 12.30 and 6pm, with a risk of some locally severe weather in the aforementioned areas.”
He added: “The areas most at risk of seeing these storms include much of Mayo, Roscommon, North Galway, Leitrim, Sligo, West Offaly, Longford, Westmeath.”
Met Eireann have issued a yellow high temperature alert from 12pm to 6pm for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Donegal, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and all of Connacht.
However, a status yellow thunderstorm warning is also in place from 2pm to 10pm for Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Connacht.
Forecaster Linda Hughes said: “It’ll be dry and sunny at first today but cloud will build in the southwest this morning.
“In the afternoon and evening showers will develop across Munster, Connacht and some western parts of Leinster.”
She continued: “It’ll be very warm or hot in some places again today.
“And a yellow high temperature warning begins at midday and continues until 6 p.m. for counties away from the south and east coast.
“Thunderstorms are also expected particularly in Connacht and a yellow thunderstorm warning begins at 3pm. for Connacht and continues until 10pm today.
“Some heavy and thundery downpours are expected particularly in Connacht.
“It’ll be very warm or hot with highest temperatures of 23C to 29C, possibly 30C, in the west.
“East and southeast winds will be mainly light to moderate but will turn fresh and gusty near showers.”
Tonight will see heavy rainfall and moderate winds.
Linda said: “Tonight spells of showery rain will move northwards across the country turning heavy and possibly thundery at times.
“Lowest temperatures of 12C to 17C with slight to moderate variable winds.”
BIG SWITCH
There will be a major switch in our weather tomorrow as temperatures range between 14C to 21C.
The meteorologist said: “Bands of rain will continue moving northwards tomorrow morning and will be followed from the southwest by sunny spells and scattered showers.
“Clouds will increase again later and the showers will turn more prolonged especially in the southwest and west.
“Some heavy and thundery downpours are possible. Highest temperatures of 14C to 21C.
“Coolest in the west and southwest with light to moderate southerly winds increasing fresh and gusty at times.”
RAIN PAIN
Tuesday will see a mix of sun, rain and cloud with temperatures falling further between 15C to 19C.
Linda said: “Tuesday morning will be mostly cloudy with showers or longer spells of rain.
“Sunny spells and scattered showers for the afternoon but they’ll clear for most places for the evening.
“Highest temperatures of 15C to 19C with moderate to fresh west to northwest winds.”
Wednesday morning will bring “some mist and fog”.
The forecaster said: “Clouds will increase from the southwest through the day bringing some patches of rain and drizzle to the south and west.
“Highest temperatures Wednesday 17C to 22C with light to moderate south to southeast winds.”
The remainder of the week will “continue unsettled” with longer spells of rain.
But it will “become warmer” again with the mercury generally getting into the 20s.
The rain is set to return next week[/caption]
