Status Yellow rain warning for five counties

Five counties, including Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow, are under a rain warning issued by Met Éireann as thunderstorms become a possibility. The warning, classified as Status Yellow, is set to expire at 3am on Friday. The weather service predicts spells of heavy rain, with the potential for thunderstorms and surface flooding, particularly in the south-east of Ireland.

Thursday is expected to start off dry in many areas, but as the day progresses, rain will slowly spread to the eastern and southern counties, becoming heavy at times. A chance of thunderstorms is also mentioned, with the potential for surface flooding in some areas.

In contrast, the west and north-west counties will be drier and warmer, with some sunny spells. However, isolated thundery showers may still occur. The highest temperatures for the period are forecast to reach between 18 to 24C.

The weather agency further notes that scattered outbreaks of rain will affect the country, with locally heavy and thundery conditions and the potential for thunderstorms. However, it is predicted that the western half of the country will become drier. Light westerly breezes may bring patches of mist or fog in the area.

The lowest temperatures are expected to be between 13 to 16C. Scattered showers, some of which could be heavy and thundery, are anticipated into the weekend. The weather agency also advises that the unsettled weather, with rain or showers at times, may continue into the early days of next week.