Met Éireann warns thunder and downpours on the way

Met Éireann has forecast that tomorrow will see the worst conditions for the foreseeable future with thunderstorms and flash-flooding anticipated in some parts of the country.

Risks of flooding have been raised in particular in parts of Munster and Connacht as the "warm and humid air mass" continues to play havoc with weather conditions.

However, while formidable conditions are expected particularly in the south and southwest of the country, Met Éireann says things are set to improve over the bank holiday weekend.

“Friday and Saturday looks like being better overall,” said a spokeswoman. “Some areas could stay dry but there will be some scattered showers most likely in the Atlantic coastal areas.”

And despite many wishing a return to recent heat-wave conditions, forecasters are saying that next week will continue to deliver extremely unsettled conditions, characterised by sunny spells and heavy rains.

Met Éireann issued a yellow alert, with heavy rain in most parts of the country and “a risk of thundery downpours and flash flooding. Amounts of 25 to 50 mm likely, especially in parts of west Munster and Connacht”.

Meanwhile, heavy rain, severe wind gusts and even tornados have been forecast by the European Storm Forecast Experiment (ESTOFEX).

Met Éireann said it did not forecast tornados as a rule as their frequency and exact location were difficult to predict with accuracy.