Ireland weather: Met Eireann forecast cold air to hit as temperatures dive and warning issued

Temperatures are set to nosedive in the next 24 hours with lows of 11C during the day in some parts of Ireland.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain will accompany the rotten turn in conditions as summer sun takes an undeserved holiday.

Rain is already moving in over the west and south of the country with a thunder warning for Connacht and Munster from 6pm.

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The 24-hour alert warns of thundery downpours and spot flooding until the same time on Saturday.

And while the thunder may not hit all areas, few will escape the showers and the unusual dip in temperatures.

A Met Eireann forecaster said: "Overnight, the rain will continue in western parts, potentially turning heavy and thundery at times with a continued risk of spot flooding. Further to the east, it will be clearer with isolated showers. Lowest temperatures 7 to 10 degrees in moderate to fresh southerly winds, reaching gale force along the west coast.

"Saturday will be an unseasonably cold, windy and wet day. Rain will continue over the western half of the country, heavy at times. Mostly dry further east to start, the rain will spread across the country later in the day. Highest temperatures of 11 to 17 degrees, coolest in the west, in fresh to strong and gusty southerly or variable winds."

Lightning strikes over a bay (Zuma Press/PA Images)

Unfortunately Sunday and Monday don't look to be much better, the forecaster added: "A mix of sunny spells and widespread heavy and possibly thundery showers Sunday. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees in moderate to fresh southwesterly or variable winds.

"Staying unsettled with widespread showers Monday, turning to heavier more persistent rain in the western half of the country later in the day. Highest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees with moderate southerly winds."

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