Thunderstorm warning issued for 13 counties, including Cork

A status yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued for seven counties. Picture: Andy Gibson.

Parts of the country can expect thunderstorms today after record-breaking high temperatures were reached on Monday.

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow thunderstorm warning for Cork, Tipperary, Waterford, Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath, Wexford, Wicklow, Cavan, Donegal and Leitrim.

The warning is in place until 9pm tonight as the thunderstorms bring heavy rain with the possibility of some localised flooding.

As a result of the sweltering heat these past few days, the number of areas at risk of a drought has increased to 18 - up from 12 this morning.

Irish Water has measures like tankering water from supplies that are not under pressure to facilities that are struggling.

It says some householders in the midlands and the south might see pressure dropping tonight as part of efforts to replenish water levels.

The areas currently most at risk of drought are:

• Clonakilty, Roberts Cove, Whitechurch and Coppeen in Cork 
• Bennettsbridge and Clogh Castlecomer in Kilkenny 
• Coalbrook and Kilcash in Tipperary 
• Killmallock Bridge, Taylorstown, Wexford Town and Bunclody in Wexford 
• Cooga spring, Lacka Doon borehole and Croom bypass in Limerick 
• Inis Oirr in Galway 
• Swan in Laois 
• Carron in Clare

Ireland's short heatwave is expected to come to an end today with conditions in keeping with a typical Irish summer set to return. Picture: Andy Gibson.

Ireland's short heatwave is expected to come to an end today with conditions in keeping with a typical Irish summer set to return.

A status yellow high-temperature warning was lifted everywhere except Leinster where the warning is in place until 7pm tonight.

Those in Leinster will continue to see temperatures of between 25C and 28C.

A high fire risk warning is also in effect. While the danger peaked on Sunday, it will not be lifted until midday on Wednesday and people should remain vigilant in areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and gorse exist.

Wicklow Fire Service has been battling a significant forest fire in Crone Woods, Enniskerry since 1am.

An Air Corps helicopter is in attendance to assist, and Coillte is asking the public to avoid the use of all outdoor fires and other open ignition sources such as barbeques and cigarettes.

It's currently understood that the fire was likely started by accident.

Crews from Bray and Greystones have been battling a forest fire in Crone Woods Enniskerry since 1 am pic.twitter.com/MVqX3H7CP1

— Wicklow Fire Service (@FireWicklow) July 19, 2022

Looking ahead to the rest of the week, many will welcome a drop in temperatures tonight after the 'tropical' nights recently. The lowest temperatures will be around 11C to 14C.

Wednesday will largely remain dry in the morning and sunny spells will break through the clouds as the day goes on. There will be some light scattered showers in the morning but they will be mostly confined to the west and northwest coasts in the afternoon.

Temperatures will remain normal for the remainder of the week. It will mostly be dry with some showers before it turns wetter at the weekend.