THREE SOUTHERN COUNTIES are set to come under Status Orange thunderstorm warnings this afternoon.
The alert will be in place across Cork, Kerry and Waterford from 4pm until 7pm, with Met Éireann warning of the possibility of heavy downpours leading to flooding in places.
Thunderstorms are likely to develop this afternoon and evening in places.
Met Éireann is also warning of possible lightning damage, hail, hazardous driving conditions, and very gusty winds.
Meanwhile, all of Connacht and Co Donegal is currently under a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning.
This alert came into place at 3pm and will remain in place until 6pm tomorrow, Friday.
Met Éireann has forecast that thunderstorms will develop today, overnight, and into Friday, with the risk of torrential downpours and localised flooding, as well as lightning damage, hail, hazardous driving conditions and gusty winds.
Met Éireann has noted that for a thunderstorm to develop, there needs to be “moisture, instability and a lifting mechanism”.
“While the moisture is coming from the exceptionally warm and humid conditions we’ve observed over the last number of days, both the instability and potential lift is being derived by the weather fronts,” said Met Éireann.
“Should this trigger be enacted, it is likely that parts of the northwest and west will experience extreme thunderstorm activity today and tonight.
“Other areas may see somewhat less severe thunderstorm activity tomorrow.”
Met Éireann added that there is “some uncertainty in the model forecast on where and when exactly the thunderstorms will occur, or if they will remain offshore” tomorrow.
But should they occur on Friday, Met Éireann advised that the “intensity is expected to be quite impactful”.
Met Éireann has advised that if you hear thunder, you should move indoors immediately.
You should also avoid driving “unless necessary” if heavy rain begins.
And should lightning develop, stop outdoor sports including swimming, and seek shelter.