Met Éireann, the Irish meteorological service, has declared a status yellow thunderstorm alert for five regions on Sunday, as part of an unpredictable weather forecast for the next few days in Ireland. A yellow meteorological alert has been issued for Carlow, Cork, Kilkenny, Tipperary, and Waterford, and will be effective from 14:00 hrs until 20:00 hrs on Sunday. The alert comes in anticipation of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail in parts of these counties. The Irish public has been advised to prepare for potential flash floods and lightning issues which may hamper transport.
Meanwhile, Met Éireann predicts showers across Munster and Leinster on Saturday, with a chance of heavier showers in the southeast in the afternoon. As the day progresses, the weather is expected to improve with sunlight anticipated during the evening hours. The maximum temperatures will range from 15 to 21 degrees, with a northerly wind forecast.
Saturday evening promises long clear spells with some isolated patches of fog. Minimum temperatures are expected to fall between 7 and 10 degrees, with light to moderate northerly or variable winds.
Sunday’s forecast for numerous areas appears sunny and dry. However, the northwest coastal areas may experience cloudy conditions. Scattered showers are expected in the afternoon and evening, primarily in the midlands and south, with Carlow, Cork, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Waterford under the yellow thunderstorm alert. The top temperatures will fluctuate between 18 to 21 degrees with slight northeast or variable winds.
By Sunday evening, any remaining showers or storms are predicted to dissipate, leaving dry and clear conditions throughout the night. Fog patches and mist will form in certain regions, with minimum temperatures ranging between 8 and 11 degrees.
On Monday morning, long sunny spells are forecast once the fog and mist dissipate. However, afternoon and evening may see the development of showers in some regions along with potential thunderstorms. The day will be warm with maximum temperatures expected to be between 18 to 23 degrees and light southeasterly or variable winds.
Though sporadic rain showers will linger into Monday evening, the majority of regions will experience dry spells and an abundance of clear skies. As fog and mist form under the influence of gentle easterly or shifting winds, temperatures are projected to reach minimum levels of 9 to 12 degrees celsius.
Come Tuesday morning, the weather is set to shift as rainfall begins to cluster, evolving into prolonged bouts of rain throughout the afternoon and evening. These conditions may give rise to intense thunderstorm activity and the potential threat of severe downpours. Indications suggest that localised flooding may occur under these conditions, however winds will remain light and variable with peak temperatures between 16-19 degrees.
Intermittent sunny spells will punctuate bouts of rainfall, some of which may escalate to heavier showers. Subsequent days are expected to bring a visible reduction in temperature, with mercury levels reaching highs of 14 to 18 degrees in the wake of light to moderate westerly to northwesterly winds.
As one looks further ahead, weather patterns are forecasted to be variable with temperature levels aligning closer to the average seasonal norms.