Met Éireann extends thunderstorm warning to more counties amid washout forecast

Met Éireann has now extended their Status Yellow thunderstorm warning to Clare, Limerick and Kerry which will come into effect later on Sunday, bringing an end to the glorious mini heatwave.

The country basked in the hottest day of the year on Saturday and now thunderstorms are expected to bring the dry spell to an end this afternoon.

Met Éireann originally issued the weather warning for all five counties of Connacht on Saturday, also to take effect on Sunday.

The thunderstorm warning is valid from 2pm to 10pm on Sunday, 13 July for all counties under the warning.

Met Éireann has warned that some of the potential impacts include surface water flooding, lightning damage, as well as difficult travelling conditions. Some outdoor events may also be impacted.

The national forecaster's outlook for the week ahead is "generally unsettled", although temperatures are expected to remain relatively high.

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Here is how the weather is shaping up for the week ahead according to Met Éireann.

Sunday night will see some spells of showery rain move northwards across the country, some of which will turn heavy and thundery at times. Lowest temperatures of 12 to 17 degrees.

Monday will be a wet day as a band of rain will continue moving northwards in the morning. Some sunny spells will follow from the southwest as well as some scattered showers. It will become cloudier later in the day and showers will turn more prolonged, particularly in the southwest and west. Heavy and thundery downpours are also possible. Highest temperatures of 14 to 21 degrees.

Monday night will be cloudy and unsettled with widespread showers that will turn heavy at times. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 13 degrees. 

Tuesday will be off to a cloudy start with some showers. The afternoon will see some more sunny spells as well as scattered showers but these should clear in most places by the evening. Highest temperatures of 15 to 19 degrees. 

Tuesday night will be mostly dry. Some patches of mist and fog will develop in areas. Lowest temperatures of 8 to 13 degrees.

Wednesday will see cloud gradually develop from the southwest through the day and bring some patches of rain to the south and west. Highest temperatures of 17 to 22 degrees. 

Wednesday night will be cloudy with some showery rain moving from the southwest across the country. Lowest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees.

Thursday will be unsettled with some showers that may turn heavy. Highest temperatures of 19 to 23 degrees.