Met Eireann warns of potential ‘lightning damage’ as thunderstorms expected

Met Eireann has also said weather warnings are likely to be issued.

Heavy rain is predicted to stick around over the coming days as low pressure continues to dominate.

According to Met Eireann forecaster Ailis Hankinson, the rain will gradually clear northeastwards later today.

“Some of the showers will be heavy and thundery, merging to longer spells of rain at times, with a chance of hail and spot flooding, especially over the western half of the country,” she said.

“Highest today of 11C to 15C and breezy too with moderate to fresh southerly winds, stronger near southern and Atlantic coasts.

“Showers will continue down tonight, some heavy and merging to longer spells of rain at times, especially in the west and north.

“Becoming mostly dry in the south and east though overnight with showers elsewhere easing and becoming more isolated by morning.”

Kenneth McDonagh of the Donegal Weather Channel added that today is likely to be the first “proper convective day of weather of 2026”, bringing thunderstorms to parts of the country.

He then said weather warnings are likely to be issued as a result. “After the morning rain clears heavy showers will develop through the afternoon and evening with some strong thunderstorms developing with some hail, spot flooding and lightning damage.

“The highest risk area currently looks like Ulster, North Connacht and North Leinster.”

Andrew O’Reilly of Carlow Weather also said thunderstorms are likely this afternoon.

It’s not all bad news, and while Friday will see a wet start too, this will slowly clear and some sunny spells will arrive.