Met Eireann has issued weather warnings for 16 counties on Wednesday, saying “disruption is likely” amid heavy rain and thunderstorms.
A Status Orange alert - its second highest - affects Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow and is in place until midnight.
The warning reads: “Heavy rain on Tuesday night, Wednesday and Wednesday night with the possibility of thundery downpours, will lead to localised flooding. Disruption is likely.”
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A less severe Status Yellow warning is in place for Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Tipperary, Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Louth and Meath also until midnight.
The alert warns: “Heavy rain on Wednesday and Wednesday night, with the possibility of thundery downpours, will lead to localised flooding and some disruption.”
It comes as outbreaks of heavy and thundery rain are due to track north over the country throughout today, leading to flooding in parts.
This will lead to dry and brighter conditions in the south - but only for a short time as further bands of heavy and thundery rain are due to move up from the south this afternoon and evening.
The downpours will be accompanied by strong winds, while temperatures will hover between 11C and 16C.
Windy’s live tracker below shows exactly when and where thunder will hit.
The unsettled weather is due to last the rest of the week. The national forecaster says Thursday will start dry, before heavy outbreaks of rain extend into the south by evening.
Friday is set to be a cloudy day, with spells of heavy rain at times, while Saturday will be drier before a return to rain on Sunday.
Giving its forecast for the next few days, Met Eireann said:”Thursday morning will be largely dry and partly cloudy with a few showers about mostly in southern coastal counties. Heavier showery outbreaks of rain will extend into the south through the late afternoon and evening. Moderate southeast winds will increase fresh to strong in the southwest. Highest temperatures of 15C to 17C.
“A mostly cloudy day with spells of rain, turning heavy at times. Moderate to fresh southeasterly winds will largely ease later. Highest temperatures of 14C to 16C.
“Rain in northwestern areas on Saturday will gradually clear through the day. Most areas will have good dry and bright spells. Southerly winds will be mostly light, breezier for a time in the northwest. Highs of 14C to 17C. Showers will develop in the south later in the afternoon. Rain will spread northwards overnight.
“Currently Sunday looks to be turning wet again with rain in most places. Light southwest winds. Highest temperatures of 14C to 16C.
“Wet weather likely again during the early days of next week.”
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