A STATUS YELLOW thunderstorm warning comes into place for several parts of the country at 9am this morning as temperatures remain high, with a nationwide high temperature warning extended until Saturday morning.
The warning, which is in place for all of Connacht, as well as counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Tipperary, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly and Westmeath will remain in place until 6pm.
Met Éireann has warned that thunderstorms are possible in places, although not all areas will experience them.
The storms may cause localised flooding, hail damage, difficult travelling conditions, damage to utilities including power and water, and very gusty winds.
A thunderstorm warning for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry has been in place since 12am. The UK Met office has warned that heavy showers and thunderstorms may bring disruption in places this morning.
Meanwhile, a nationwide Status Yellow high temperature warning issued by Met Éireann earlier this week will now remain in place until Saturday morning.
The national forecaster has warned there is a risk of forest fires, water safety issues, heat stress and uncomfortable sleeping conditions.
Forecaster Gerry Murphy told RTÉ’s News at One Thursday that “parts of the midlands and east will qualify as heatwave conditions” today, as the definition of a heatwave is five consecutive days of temperatures at 25 degrees or more.
The spell is being driven by a plume of very warm air moving north from Europe, where several countries have experienced extreme heat in recent days.
People are being urged to take care in the heat, particularly older people, young children and those with underlying health conditions.
Advice includes drinking water regularly, staying in the shade during the hottest part of the day and using sunscreen when outdoors.
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