A dramatic weather change is on the cards as Ireland’s ‘mini-heatwave’ conditions give way to major thunderstorms.
In recent weeks, the country has been enjoying record-breaking heat alongside wall-to-wall sunshine.
But now thunderstorms are expected to bring the dry period to a sudden halt, battering most of the country.
Yesterday, shocking footage showed the roof of a Dunnes Stores supermarket in Kerry collapsing due to torrential rain.
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Met Eireann has issued a new 12-hour weather warning for almost the entirety of Ireland as the recent sunny spell comes to a dramatic halt.
The Status Yellow ‘thunderstorm’ warning begins at 10am and lasts until 12pm.
It affects Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath.
Only seven eastern counties have been spared from the alert: Louth, Meath, Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Carlow and Wexford.
The warning advises: “Thunderstorms bringing frequent lightning, heavy downpours, gusty winds and the chance of hail.”
Among the concerns is the risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall. Additionally, strong winds may lead to tree branches breaking, loose objects being blown around and potential damage to structures so motorists are being advised to exercise caution when travelling in the affected areas.
Met Eireann lists the “possible impacts” as localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions.
Giving its overall forecast for today, it said: “Cloudy or misty with heavy showers and thunderstorms tracking up from the southwest. Cloudy or misty this morning with fog locally. Scattered showers will become more widespread into the afternoon and evening, some turning heavy with the potential for thunderstorms, hail and local flooding. Highest temperatures of 18C to 22C in light to moderate southeast breezes.
“Tonight residual thundery showers will soon die away with just isolated showers following. Mist or fog about once again though with just light southwest breezes. Lowest temperatures of 10C to 14C.”
The “unsettled” are expected to continue into next week with further thunderstorms. However it will remain warm with top temperatures hitting the low 20s.
Giving a day-by-day breakdown, the national forecaster continued: “Monday will be a similarly cloudy and showery day with misty conditions in places too. Like recent days the showers will become more widespread in the afternoon and evening, some turning heavy with the potential for thunderstorms and local flooding. Highest temperatures of 18C to 22C in light to moderate southwest breezes.
“Showers will become fewer Monday night, except for south and west coasts. Mild with lowest temperatures of 11C to 14C in just light southerly breezes. Misty in parts too, especially along the south coast.
“A cloudy and showery day Tuesday with showers turning heavier into the afternoon and evening. Some thunderstorms are likely. Highest temperatures of 18C to 21C in just light southerly breezes. Misty in parts again too.
“Showers will become more isolated Tuesday night with drier and clearer conditions developing. Some misty conditions in parts too though. Lowest temperatures of 10C to 14C in just light southwest breezes.
“Sunny spells and scattered showers Wednesday with a few heavy ones possible later across the north and east. Highest temperatures of 18C to 22C with just light westerly breezes.
“Sunny and spells and well scattered showers Thursday. Warm in sunshine with highest temperatures of 19C to 24C in light southerly breezes.
“Cloudy and breezy Friday with outbreaks of rain. Highest temperatures of 18C to 21C.”
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