THIS is the moment Ireland’s weather took a turn for the worse after temperatures hit a scorching 31.1C yesterday.
Heavy rain battered down on Clifden in Co Galway as thunderstorms struck in Cork, Galway and Mayo this afternoon.
Weather chiefs have confirmed that thunderstorms are currently ‘sparking off’ in the west[/caption]
And localised flooding, frequent lightning, power outages are possible[/caption]
Weather chiefs have confirmed that thunderstorms are currently “sparking off” in the west.
Cathal Nolan of Ireland’s Weather Channel warned of localised flooding, frequent lightning, power outages, gusty winds and large hail.
He said: “Thunderstorms are now sparking off across parts of Connacht and through the Midlands as unstable air interacts with the very warm temperatures generating sufficient CAPE and ultimately strong thunderstorms.
“The areas most at risk are across Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, Westmeath, West Offaly, Longford and later through parts of south Ulster.”
Cathal added: “A strong shear gradient within 800J/kg of CAPE will allow for the development of a cluster of thunderstorms between 12:30pm and 6pm, with a risk of some locally severe weather.
“The areas most at risk of seeing these storms include much of Mayo, Roscommon, North Galway, Leitrim, Sligo, West Offaly, Longford, Westmeath.”
Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Connacht.
Yellow weather alerts are in place from 2pm until 10pm tonight due to soaring temperatures and thunderstorms, with weather bosses warning of spot flooding and lightning damage.
And weather boffins have also issued a Status Yellow temperature warning for 13 counties with “maximum temperatures in excess of 27°C expected.”
Met Eireann said the potential impacts expected includes water safety issues due to increased use of lakes and beaches, heat stress with forest fires also possible.
BIG SWITCH
There will be a major switch in our weather tomorrow as temperatures range between 14C to 21C.
Forecaster Linda Hughes 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.
Heavy rain battered down on Clifden in Co Galway as thunderstorms struck in Cork, Galway and Mayo this afternoon[/caption]
