Status Orange thunderstorm warning issued for four Irish counties tonight

It's an unsettled week ahead.

The warning includes Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo and is in place from 3pm to 9pm on Monday, May 20.

The forecast predicts "slow moving thunderstorms with very heavy downpours and potentially large hail", with possible impacts being flash flooding, very difficult traveling conditions with poor visibility and potential damage to power lines.

There is also a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for Cavan, Donegal, Connacht and Longford from 2pm to 9pm on Monday.

The UK Met Office has also issued a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry, saying that "many places missing the worst, but where thunderstorms occur, they could bring travel disruption and surface water flooding.

The warning is valid from 1pm to 9pm today.

Status Orange thunderstorm warning issued for four Irish counties tonight

In their national forecast, Met Éireann have described today as "dry and bright with plenty of sunny spells to start this afternoon.

"Showers will develop mainly in the northwest and across parts of the midlands, turning rather heavy with thunderstorms, spot flooding and hail.

"The showers will continue through to this evening and it will turn more overcast too.

"Highest temperatures of 19 to 23 degrees and light winds."

Tonight will see some showers (at times heavy) in the midlands and the north and west, with most clearing overnight and developing again in the morning.

There will be light winds and temps will hit around 10 to 13 degrees.

Weather expert Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather on Twitter/X has also warned of a potential thunderstorm today and tomorrow, saying this afternoon: "Latest high resolution AROME charts showing the forecast heavy showers today and tomorrow.

"Risk of more flash floods from slow moving thundery downpours sadly."

Latest high resolution AROME charts showing the forecast heavy showers today and tomorrow. Risk of more flash floods from slow moving thundery downpours sadly. pic.twitter.com/IWhVvBdIjA

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) May 20, 2024

The forecast for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 21, reads: "A cloudy start with showers developing from early morning.

"The showers will turn heavy and possibly thundery in the east and south for a time in the afternoon and evening.

"Highest temperatures of 14 to 18 degrees and light winds."

The rest of the week will remain unsettled, with temperatures cooling towards the end of the week.

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