Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for Cork, Kerry, and Limerick, effective from 9am until 6pm today as severe weather conditions threaten the southwestern counties.
The national weather service has warned of potential localised flooding and power outages as a result of the extreme weather conditions. Lightning strikes could also cause damage to property and infrastructure across the affected areas.
Road users are advised to exercise particular caution as the thunderstorms may significantly impact traveling conditions throughout the warning period. The combination of heavy rainfall, reduced visibility, and potential flooding poses risks for motorists navigating the region.
While some sunny spells are forecast for Munster today, the overall weather pattern will feature considerable cloud cover with frequent showers. These showers are expected to merge into longer periods of sustained rainfall, with heavy downpours and thunderstorms most likely across southern and southwestern areas.
Temperatures will remain relatively mild despite the unsettled conditions, reaching highs of 19 to 21 degrees Celsius under light to moderate easterly breezes. The unstable weather pattern reflects typical late summer conditions when warm, moist air can trigger sudden thunderstorm development.
The severe weather is expected to continue into tonight, with further heavy or thundery showers forecast before conditions gradually ease later in the evening. Mist and fog patches may form as the weather system moves through and atmospheric conditions stabilize.
Residents in the affected counties are advised to secure outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel during the peak warning hours as the thunderstorms develop throughout the day.