Thunderstorm warning issued for eight counties – and rain warning issued for three others

Counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow are all under the warning which will begin at midday today and last until 7.30pm this evening.

They have warned of hazardous travelling conditions, localised flooding and poor visibility while the warning is in place.

Thunderstorms, heavy downpours and the likelihood of hail are forecast for the eight counties, Met Éireann has said, while temperatures will range between 16C and 20C.

Forecasters have also issued a rain warning for counties Cork, Waterford and Kerry. Heavy rain is expected with the possibility of localised flooding, difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility.

Thundery conditions will die out early tonight but persistent rain will extend across most of the country overnight. Lowest temperatures of between 9C and 12C are forecast.

Monday will see rain widespread across the country, with some showers turning heavy. Some sunshine will develop in the south and west in the afternoon but there will be some scattered showers too.

Temperatures will stay mild on Monday and will range between 14C and 17C. Overnight they will fall to between 7C and 10C with some rain and drizzle.

Met Éireann said the weather will be changeable during the week, with rain showers and some sunshine possible.

It will be a mix of rain and showers on Tuesday with the rain affecting areas in the north and south. However, Met Éireann said the details of the persistent rain could change in the coming days.

Highest temperatures on Tuesday will be between 14C and 18C and drop to between 8C and 11C overnight, when it will be dry with some scattered showers.

Heavy rain is also possible for Wednesday.

“It looks set to be a day of sunshine and showers on Wednesday with the chance of the odd heavy downpour. Maximum temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees, warmest across the west in light easterly breezes,” Met Éireann said.

Overnight it will be mostly dry when temperatures are expected to be between 6C and 9C.

Thursday will also be a mixture of rain and sun but some showers could be heavy and thundery. The heavier spells could mean some spot flooding and daytime temperatures will be between 18C and 21C.